Fire-related cues for germination of Cerrado species

Abstract

Fire is the major disturbance influencing vegetation around the world. Post-fire regeneration includes germination and resprouting. In flammable ecosystems, germination is usually stimulated by fire, through the breaking of dormancy by heat shocks or smoke. However, very few evidence was found so far for Cerrado species. Cerrado species usually have fire-resistant seeds, which can germinate even after being exposed to high temperatures, being this an important trait. We know that seed and germination traits can vary according to different fire regimes and thus, measuring traits can also help us to explain how plant communities respond to fire in savannas. The main goal of the current proposal is to evaluate fire-related cues for germination of Cerrados species, mostly grasses and forbs, because there is a lack of information about these groups. Moreover, seed and germination traits will also be measured, in order to help us understanding the relationship between fire and seed germination in tropical savannas