Effect of time-since-fire on saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) leaf characteristics and potential for photodegradation
Session Title
Poster Session 1
Faculty Mentor
Jennifer Schafer, Ph.D.
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Biology
Abstract
Photodegradation can increase plant litter decomposition, and fire may affect photodegradation by altering vegetation structure, which can increase exposure of litter to solar radiation. We investigated variation in saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) leaf characteristics and the potential for fire to affect photodegradation of saw palmetto litter in Florida scrub ecosystems. Saw palmettos have fan-shaped leaves that spread outwards without falling to the ground immediately after dying. We measured and counted leaves of six saw palmetto individuals in scrubby flatwoods sites 6 years and 28 years post-fire. We collected sections of four leaves (new live leaf, old live leaf, dead leaf above ground, dead leaf on the ground) of each individual to measure specific leaf area and carbon and nitrogen concentrations. Vegetation around saw palmettos was taller in sites 28 years post-fire, suggesting there was less solar radiation reaching dead saw palmetto leaves and lower potential for photodegradation in longer unburned sites. Dead leaf maximum crown length was lower in sites 6 years post-fire, suggesting that self-shading of dead leaves is higher in recently burned sites. The interaction between leaf type and time-since-fire did not have a significant effect on specific leaf area. We will test the prediction that there is a greater decline in nutrient concentrations with leaf age in more recently burned than in longer unburned sites due to higher photodegradation. Knowledge about the potential role of fire in mediating the impact of photodegradation on plant litter decomposition could improve understanding of carbon and nitrogen cycling in fire-prone ecosystems.
Previously Presented/Performed?
Association of Southeastern Biologists Annual Meeting, Winston-Salem, NC, March 2023 | Winthrop University Showcase of Winthrop University Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, Rock Hill, SC, April 2023
Type of Presentation
Poster presentation
Grant Support?
Supported by an SC-INBRE grant from the National Institute for General Medical Sciences (P20GM103499).
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
Effect of time-since-fire on saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) leaf characteristics and potential for photodegradation
Photodegradation can increase plant litter decomposition, and fire may affect photodegradation by altering vegetation structure, which can increase exposure of litter to solar radiation. We investigated variation in saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) leaf characteristics and the potential for fire to affect photodegradation of saw palmetto litter in Florida scrub ecosystems. Saw palmettos have fan-shaped leaves that spread outwards without falling to the ground immediately after dying. We measured and counted leaves of six saw palmetto individuals in scrubby flatwoods sites 6 years and 28 years post-fire. We collected sections of four leaves (new live leaf, old live leaf, dead leaf above ground, dead leaf on the ground) of each individual to measure specific leaf area and carbon and nitrogen concentrations. Vegetation around saw palmettos was taller in sites 28 years post-fire, suggesting there was less solar radiation reaching dead saw palmetto leaves and lower potential for photodegradation in longer unburned sites. Dead leaf maximum crown length was lower in sites 6 years post-fire, suggesting that self-shading of dead leaves is higher in recently burned sites. The interaction between leaf type and time-since-fire did not have a significant effect on specific leaf area. We will test the prediction that there is a greater decline in nutrient concentrations with leaf age in more recently burned than in longer unburned sites due to higher photodegradation. Knowledge about the potential role of fire in mediating the impact of photodegradation on plant litter decomposition could improve understanding of carbon and nitrogen cycling in fire-prone ecosystems.
