Biological invasion of Pinus elliottii var. elliottii in Rio Vermelho State Park, Florianópolis, SC

Abstract

Abstract

Biological invasion is defined as the process of introduction and adaptation of non-native species into natural ecosystems which become invasive and cause ecological changes. Species with high invasive capacity, such as Pinus elliottii, tend to inhibit ecological succession. In 1962 the Forestry Station of Rio Vermelho in Florianópolis-SC was created, and  25 species of pine tested in 500 ha of dunes. After 40 years, approximately 250 ha of dunes and restingas, adjacent to the plantations were invaded by Pinus elliottii var. elliottii. In order to evaluate its invasive capacity, the seed bank and seed rain were sampled in three habitat types: i) inner stand of Pinus elliottii var. elliottii ii) stand border; and iii) preserved mature restinga with tree covering. Seedling emergence of pines was not observed in the seed bank, suggesting that the seeds do not remain viable in the soil. The seed rain was continuous throughout the year, generating about two million viable seeds.ha^-1.year^-1. If the lack of a seed bank may seem an advantage, the continuous seed rain represents a constant threat to the re-infestation of the species in the park.

Keywords: Seed bank; seed rain; ecological restoration, invasive pines.