Reproductive phenology of tree species in a fragmented area of Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Abstract

Phenological studies can support actions of seed collection and recovery of degraded areas, contributing to the conservation of forest species. This study aimed to understand the timing of flowering and fruiting of 21 native tree species in fragmented area of Atlantic Forest in Itaboraí, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Ninety one trees were monitored monthly, from January to December of 2011. Most species flowered in the late dry season and early rainy season, and presented a moderate negative correlation between flowering and photoperiod. There were two peaks of fruiting: March-April to zoochoric species and September-October for not zoochoric species, with positive correlation between rainfall and fruiting of zoochoric species. There was a high incidence of pathogens in fruits, affecting the seed production by Machaerium hirtum, Melanoxylon brauna, Machaerium brasiliense and Psidium guineense. Other species showed low fruit production, as Andira sp., Swartzia oblata, Guarea guidonea, and Enterolobium glaziovii. The timing of flowering and fruiting among individuals was low for most species. The lack of phenology research of most species studied (52%) reinforced the need of such studies in this region.