Survival and early growth of Pinus chiapensis across environmental gradients in Puebla and Veracruz

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a12n3.4739

Keywords:

Acalocote, dieback failure, geographic origin, nursery growth, morphological variation

Abstract

Due to land-use change, Pinus chiapensis has a fragmented distribution and small population size in Puebla and Veracruz, which may lead to inbreeding depression and compromise the species' continuity in its northern range. The objective was to determine the variation in morphological traits, survival, and early growth of seedlings from seven populations of P. chiapensis, and to propose conservation actions. Seedling morphological traits, survival, and early growth were assessed using germplasm collected from 125 trees across an elevation gradient of 664 to 1703 m a.s.l. These traits were correlated with bioclimatic variables of the population sites. Significant variation was found among populations. Hypocotyl height ranged from 2.74 to 4.13 cm, and the most frequent number of cotyledonary leaves was 7 or 8. At 15 months of age, plant height ranged from 25.7 to 56.5 cm, and stem base diameter from 2.59 to 3.90 mm across populations. Lower moisture was associated with fewer branches per plant, but longer cotyledonary leaves, greater plant height at 15 months, and a higher slenderness index (indicating lower vigor). Mortality risk was greater in progenies from lower-elevation areas, which are more exposed to global temperature increases. Conservation efforts should prioritize lower-elevation populations, and the seed source should be considered when planning reforestation programs with this species.

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Author Biographies

  • Elisea Capilla-Dinorin, Colegio de Postgraduados

    Estudiante de Maestría graduada en el Colegio de Postgraduados.

  • Marcos Jiménez-Casas, Colegio de Postgraduados

    Profesor Investigador Titular

  • Alberto Pérez Luna, Colegio de Postgraduados

    Investigador Posdoctorante en el Colegio de Postgraduado

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Published

2025-10-29

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Section

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLE

How to Cite

Capilla-Dinorin, E., López-Upton, J., Jiménez-Casas, M., & Pérez Luna, A. (2025). Survival and early growth of Pinus chiapensis across environmental gradients in Puebla and Veracruz. Ecosistemas Y Recursos Agropecuarios, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a12n3.4739

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