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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Method for Quantifying Foliage-Dwelling Arthropods
Published on: October 20, 2019
Interference of Pteridium arachnoideum (Kaulf.) Maxon. (Dennstaedtiaceae) on the establishment of rainforest trees
D M Silva Matos1, T A Belinato
1Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, SP, Brazil. dmatos@ufscar.br <dmatos@ufscar.br>
Abstract:
In order to identify the effect of P. arachnoideum, we studied 11 native tree species commonly used in reforestation projects. Bioassays were conducted in laboratory to evaluate the effect of bracken leachate on the germination and morphology of seedlings. Juveniles of some of these species were planted in two adjacent but contrasting areas in relation to the dominance of P. arachnoideum. The evaluation of growth and survivorship was performed after six and twelve months. This study reveals that for some pioneer and secondary trees P. arachnoideum leachate exerted an inhibitory effect on seed germination and seedling morphology. Field experiments revealed that pioneers are apparently more resistant to P. arachnoideum leachate than secondary species.
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