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Light-dependent development of two competitive species (Rubus idaeus, Cytisus scoparius) colonizing gaps in temperate forest

Croissance de deux espèces compétitrices (Rubus idaeus, Cytisus scoparius) colonisatrices des trouées en forêt tempérée selon la disponibilité en lumière

Annals of Forest Science volume 65, page 104 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Forest regeneration can be inhibited by competition for environmental resources (water, nutrients, light) between tree seedlings and some competitive species that are generally light-demanding species developing in gaps. The study’s aim was to quantify the development of two competitive species (Rubus idaeus and Cytisus scoparius) present in the chaîne des Puys, France, relatively to light in gaps inside Picea abies stands. On 29 transects linking the stand to the gap centre (223 points), light intensity was measured (0–80% of relative light) and floristic measurements (cover and height of the different species) were done. Development of both competitive species is positively connected to light, with a bell-shaped curve with a maximum of 40–50% for R. idaeus and a quite constant increase to 80% (maximum of light recorded in the experimentation) for C. scoparius. These results are discussed relatively to understorey vegetation management in order to favour forest regeneration.

Résumé

En forêt, la compétition pour la captation des ressources (eau, nutriments, lumière) entre certaines plantes très colonisatrices et les jeunes arbres peut mettre en péril la régénération forestière. Ces espèces sont généralement héliophiles et se développent donc dans les trouées, environnements également favorables aux semis. Le but de l’étude était de quantifier le développement de deux espèces colonisatrices (Rubus idaeus et Cytisus scoparius) de la chaîne des Puys (France) en fonction de l’intensité lumineuse dans des trouées situées en forêt d’épicéas. Des mesures de lumière ont été réalisées sur 29 transects reliant l’intérieur du peuplement au centre d’une trouée (223 points au total, 0–80 % d’éclairement relatif) en parallèle à des mesures floristiques (taux de recouvrement et hauteur des différentes espèces). Les deux espèces répondent à la lumière, selon une courbe en cloche avec un maximum à 40–50 % pour R. idaeus et une augmentation quasi linéaire jusqu’à 80 % (maximum mesuré dans l’expérimentation) pour C. scoparius. Ces résultats sont discutés en terme de gestion de la végétation forestière pour favoriser la régénération.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UMR547 PIAF, INRA, Univ. Blaise Pascal, 63100, Clermont-Ferrand, France

    Noémie Gaudio & André Marquier

  2. UR Écosystèmes Forestiers, Cemagref, Domaine des Barres, 45290, Nogent-sur-Vernisson, France

    Philippe Balandier

Authors
  1. Noémie Gaudio
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  2. Philippe Balandier
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  3. André Marquier
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Correspondence to Philippe Balandier.

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Gaudio, N., Balandier, P. & Marquier, A. Light-dependent development of two competitive species (Rubus idaeus, Cytisus scoparius) colonizing gaps in temperate forest. Ann. For. Sci. 65, 104 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1051/forest:2007076

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/forest:2007076

Annals of Forest Science

ISSN: 1297-966X