Invasion dynamics of Pinus elliottii Engelm. on restinga under a restoration process inside Parque Florestal do Rio Vermelho, Florianópolis, SC

Abstract

Species invasion in natural communities is considered a great
threat to global biodiversity. The second biggest cause of extinction worldwide is related to invasive species action, which is only smaller than habitat loss and fragmentation. The objective of this study was to quantify the levels of Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii infestation in Parque Florestal do Rio Vermelho, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil. One year after the clearance of one hectare of Pinus, 100 plots were set to evaluate Pinus regeneration. Semestral evaluations were made between the winter of 2003 and the summer of 2005. Population density showed significant differences (p<0.05), varying from 19,617 plants/ha to 166,624 plants/ha. The border effect became strong after the winter of 2004 and the emergence rate increased significantly. The zones closest to the border showed the highest population densities, reaching 362,268 plants/ha on the first 10m from the border. The
mean population density of each zone resulted in a decreasing exponential equation where there were 569,598 plants/ha on the zone closest to the border and 43,768 plants/ha on the border's furthest zone. This led to the recommendation to cut all Young 2 plants about every 4 years in order to control the reinfestation.