Seed production timing influences seedling fitness in the tropical live oak Quercus oleoides of Costa Rican dry forests

摘要: PREMISE OF THE STUDY Reproductive phenology is important for tree species that occur in seasonally dry environments, particularly those with desiccation-sensitive, nondormant seeds. In this study, we compared germination, growth, and survival of seeds the evergreen tropical live oak Quercus oleoides produced at different times during wet season two sites differ rainfall along an elevation gradient. Our goal was to determine effects reproductive timing on germination juvenile fitness widespread forests northwestern Costa Rica. METHODS We collected early late a single from populations contrasting reciprocally planted them into common gardens. Two watering treatments (ambient supplemental watering) were established drier low-elevation garden. Seeds exposed ambient wetter high-elevation conducted selection analyses using aster models examine variation seed size germination. KEY RESULTS Trees Q. had higher when produced, dispersed germinated season. Postgermination, water limitation reduced seedling by decreasing but not growth. CONCLUSIONS contrast studies temperate climates where earlier typically favored, show days temporally spatially heterogeneous. Selection found favor either rapid or delayed depending cohort habitat.