Interference and weed effect on seedlings of four seasonal forest tree species

Abstract

We aim to test hypothesis about tropical forests dynamics, which are related to restoration methods of disturbed forests from Southeastern Brazil, and the survival and growth of four native tree species from seasonal semideciduous forest communities under the use of herbicides: Acacia polyphylla DC., and Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong. (Leguminosae - Papilionoidae), Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hil.) Ravenna, and Luehea divaricata Mart. (Malvaceae): i) There is a weed density from which native seedlings growth and survival is damage in a significative way (Brachiaria decumbens, Panicum maximum, and Commelina benghalensis); ii) Different kinds of herbicides (pre-emergents or post-emergents), at different dosages, make different effects under the weeds control: the adequate density control of weeds promotes a better development of native forest tree species; iii) Herbicides favor survival and development of seeds of native forest tree species when they are managed directlly on the restored site ("selectiviness"). (AU)