Abstract

SOLIS-MARQUEZ, Oliva et al. Reproductive potential of Stenocereus queretaroensis (Cactaceae) of San José de Cosalima, Zacatecas. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2018, vol.89, n.2, pp.553-562. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2018.2.1874.

The reproductive potential of a population of Stenocereus queretaroensis was studied in San José de Cosalima, Municipality Tabasco, Zacatecas. The objectives were: to study the temporal variation in flower, fruit and seed production during 2 years in 3 sites; to determine the viability and germination of the seeds; to analyze the effect of a pregerminative treatment on the efficiency and speed of seed germination, and to quantify the emergence and survival percentages of seedlings in the field. From February 2014 to July 2015, the reproductive phenology of pitayo was evaluated. Differences in flower, fruit and seed production were found between sites and the evaluation times. Production of reproductive structures was higher in 2015 than 2014. Significant statistical differences were observed in viability and seed germination, likewise in the emergence of seedlings between sites and microsites differentiated by canopy cover type, being favorable the canopy of Celtis pallida and of the species itself. The results of this study showed that the reproductive potential of S. queretaroensis increased in the year with the greatest precipitation (2015), as well as with the use of a pregerminative treatment, and under the canopy of the species itself. These results can be applied in programs of use and conservation of the pitayo in situ.

Keywords : Conservation; Emergence recruitment; Reproductive phenophases; Germination; Pitayo; Viability.