This study examines apical bud mortality in the species Palicourea rigida. This species is found in a highly flammable environment, the tropical savanna of inland Brazil (Cerrado), and is characterized by an extraordinarily thick bark that protects the apical buds from the effects of fire. In this study, we demonstrate that, in areas with a high frequency of fires, the survival of apical buds is correlated with their level of protection (thickness of the bark around them). In addition, buds with a higher level of protection produce leaves that are more resistant to fire. This suggests that fire could shape the leaf phenotype through effects on the size of apical buds.

Presented by: Jaime Sáiz, researcher at Ecology and Global Change (CIDE)

Date: Thursday, December 11, at 11:00 a.m.

Location: Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA) Conference Room

Carretera CV-315, km 10.7 - Moncada, Valencia

CIDE Communication