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Abstract

Mortality in six plant species was examined in the vegetation of a mountain region in Northeastern Mexico and hypotheses of survival pathways within populations in the ecosystem were tested. Significant differences in the general mortality pattern were found among species indicating species-specific responses to stress gradients. Average mortality differed among species: Yucca carnerosana, 33.8%; Pinus cembroides, 29.9%; Larrea tridentata, 25.9%; Hechtia podantha, 13.7%; Agave lechuguilla, 13.0%; and Thelocactus santaclarensis, 9.0%. Within populations, mortality increased with water stress and survivorship increased with less stressful environments. Results from this study may be useful for the development of a management plan to support the conservation and sustainable use of forest vegetation in this mountain community.

Keywords

Agave lechuguilla climate change Hechtia podantha Larrea tridentata Pinus cembroides Thelocactus santaclarensis water stress Yucca carnerosana

Article Details

Author Biography

Jaime F García, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Agronomía

Soil and Environment, Research Professor
How to Cite
García, J. F., & Jurado, E. (2015). Is drought altering plant populations in the mountainous region of Northeastern Mexico?. Acta Botanica Croatica, 74(1). Retrieved from https://www.abc.botanic.hr/index.php/abc/article/view/939