Survival and growth of three Quercus species under contrasting coverage conditions in southern Mexico

Introduction: Intensive use modifies the composition and structure of the forests of southern Mexico, limiting the natural repopulation of Quercus species. Objective: The feasibility of Quercus crispipilis, Q.ocoteifolia and Q.segoviensis in forest restoration was evaluated under three canopy conditions: secondary pine-oak forest, shrubland and grassland. Materials and methods: Survival, growth and biomass production of young plants of the three Quercus species were determined in three conditions, with three replications each, for 14 months. A total of 33 individuals of each species were transplanted per replication. Results and discussion: Survival was relatively high (> 88 %) in all three conditions. The relative growth rate (RGR) in height of Q.crispipilis and Q.ocoteifolia was higher under forest and shrubland conditions. RGR in basal diameter of the three species was higher under grassland conditions, as was the biomass of Q.crispipilis and Q.segoviensis roots. Conclusions: The presence of canopy influences the microclimatic variables of the sites. Quercus crispipilis and Q.segoviensis have higher survival and growth under shrubland and grassland conditions, while Q.ocoteifolia is favored under forest canopy.