Assessing ecological traits of a secondary vegetation species in temperate forests of central Mexico: a case study

Abstract

Background: Plant species used for reforestation purposes are idoneous if native, and also if they are present in regeneration sources. High germination percentages under different light conditions and a broad phenological pattern enhance adaptability to environmental heterogeneity. Preference for species responsive to mycorrhizal inoculation is recommended. Questions: Is Solanum pubigerum a widespread species in temperate forests of central Mexico?, under which light conditions germination will be the highest?, how abundant is it in natural regeneration sources?, does inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi benefit its germination and growth? Studied species / data description / Mathematical model: Solanum pubigerum/distribution in central Mexico forests, germination and viability percentages, reproductive phenology, growth dependence on AM fungi/ Kruskal-Wallis test, synchrony, Spearman correlations, ANOVA. Study site and dates: Abies religiosa forest, Mexico City. August 2019 – July 2020. Methods: Seeds of S. pubigerum were exposed to different light qualities, their viability was monitored for two years. Its presence in natural regeneration sources was registered. Reproductive phenology was recorded, and seedlings were inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to assess their growth. Results: Highest seed germination occurred under white light conditions, with sustained viability after two years. The species was found in the seed bank across seasons, less abundantly in seed rain during the dry season. It exhibited extensive flowering and fruiting patterns. Mycorrhiza inoculation significantly boosted seed germination and growth. Conclusions: Solanum pubigerum is suitable for reforestation in central Mexico forests due to its high germination percentages and mycorrhizal responsiveness.