Season of fire manipulates bud bank dynamics in northern mixed-grass prairie

摘要: In perennial grassland dominated systems, belowground bud banks regulate plant community dynamics. Plant responses to disturbance are largely driven by the ability generate future aboveground growth originating from axillary buds. This study examined bank dynamics for Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata, and Pascopyrum smithii following fire in northwestern mixed-grass prairie eastern Montana, USA. Belowground buds were counted classified three growing seasons determine immediate short-term effects of summer, fall, spring prescribed burns on patterns activity, dormancy, mortality. Prescribed did not result mortality B. H. or P. Surprisingly, immediately increased number active gracilis Summer fire, however, reduced numbers. Fall activated buds, whereas influence any comata. Reduced numbers comata may limit respond fire. Season directly manipulated these species throughout dormant Using season manipulate illustrates potential improve post-fire management strategies based known development trajectories