E. Morales and D.S. Fernández, University of Puerto Rico- Humacao
Ecophysiological Evaluation of Invasive Capacity of Exotic Plants (Spathodea campanulata-African tulip) vs. Native Species (Guarea guidonia-American muskwood) in Puerto Rico and Implications for its Management
Biology Department Category: Ecology
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the potential invasibility of Spathodea campanulata (African tulip) in a secondary forest at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao. We intended to assess ecophysiological characteristics that will allow S.campanulata to be successful in the forest and how it interacts with Guarea guidonia, a native species in Puerto Rico. We predicted that S. campanulata has the ability to survive and grow rapidly because of their physiological plasticity and photosynthetic capacity, allowing it to compete with other native species as G. guidonea, and successfully invade disturbed habitats. We will select seedlings of S. campanulata and G. guidonea distributed in open areas and areas with vegetation cover. We are going to measure morphometric variables, maximum photosynthesis (Pmax) and respiration rate, and light response curves and CO2 response curves. In addition, the specific leaf area (SLA), chlorophyll concentration, distribution and density of stomata, will be measured.
This investigation is supported by BioMinds and MARC-Minority Access to Research Careers Programs.
