POPULATION PARAMETERS STUDY ON Xylopia brasiliensis Sprengel POPULATION DYNAMIC IN A GALLERY FOREST AT ITUTINGA – MG – BRAZIL

Abstract

It was studied the population dynamics of Xylopia brasiliensis between 1997 and 1999 in a gallery forest (Mata de Camargos) with an area of 7,5 ha in Itutinga, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The population rates were related to the density and basal area of the species and the tree community. It was found significant differences between Blocks and Sectors envolving recruitment, change in basal area, increase and decrease. It was also studied the influence of density and basal area of Xylopia brasiliensis on its own dynamics through regressing population rates on the density and basal area of individuals. It was found negative correlations in change in basal area, in increase in basal area and in recruitment and positive correlations in recruitment and in mortality. The localized effects of the observed correlations suggested existence of assymetric and intraspecific competition governed by the Xylopia brasiliensis adults and sub-adults, and with community adults individuals, both reducing the individual growth, recruitment and survival of the studied forest fragment.