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How early do Cerrado grasses become fire-resilient? Insights from an ontogenetic experiment
Rosani Klein Reinke1, Natashi Pilon2, Rosana Marta Kolb3
1São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, Av. 24-A 1515, São Paulo, Rio Claro, 13506-900, Brazil.
Annals of Botany
|May 9, 2026
Summary
Young Cerrado grasses gain fire resilience by 12-18 months. Avoid burning before the dry season for better grass recovery and growth. This informs effective fire management in tropical ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Botany
- Restoration Ecology
Background:
- Fire is a key disturbance in tropical grassy biomes, influencing plant evolution.
- Adult grasses resprout effectively, but young plants' fire resilience is poorly understood.
- Understanding seedling resilience is crucial for effective fire management and restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age at which native Cerrado grasses achieve fire resilience.
- To assess survival and recovery of young grasses at different developmental stages post-fire.
Main Methods:
- Greenhouse experiment using three native Cerrado grass species (Aristida riparia, Loudetiopsis chrysothrix, Trachypogon spicatus).
- Controlled burning applied to seedlings at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of age.
- Post-fire monitoring of survival, tillering, leaf production, and biomass accumulation for 120 days.
Main Results:
- High survival rates (>50%) observed from 3 months, increasing to >70% later.
- Fire resilience approached 100% in plants aged 12 months and older.
- Biomass accumulation was greatest in 18-month-old plants; recovery was slower if burned before the dry season.
Conclusions:
- Prescribed burns should target grasses at least 12–18 months old for optimal resilience.
- Timing burns to avoid the period before the dry season enhances post-fire recovery and growth.
- Findings support informed fire management strategies for Cerrado restoration.
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