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This decreased dramatically in the second year after burning (average proportion flowering = 0.09 in the first experiment and 0.20 in the second, n = 16 sites). Average fruit yield for each site (kg fruit/ha) was also calculated.įlowering patterns: For both experiments, growing season (April–July) burns had high flowering levels during the first year after burning (average proportion flowering = 0.45 in the first experiment and 0.50 in the second, n = 8 sites in each experiment). A one-time average ramet density (number of ramets/ha) for each site was also calculated by averaging the number of ramets counted in 10 quadrats, and multiplying by 1000 (to obtain a 'per ha' estimate). To calculate average fruit yield per ramet (kg fruit/ramet) for each site, fruit yields over all fruiting ramets encountered in the transects was averaged. Locations of transects and quadrats were re-randomised for the second year of data collection in each site.ĭata analysis: For each year in each site, proportions of saw palmettos flowering and fruiting were calculated by averaging proportions flowering or fruiting over the 10 transects. The quadrats were positioned in a stratified random manner. To estimate ramet density per site, saw palmetto ramets were counted in 10, 2 m × 5 m quadrats in each site. In the first year following a burn, any flowering prior to April was ascertained by looking for old, unburned flowering spadices on palmettos in the transects.ĭuring August and September (peak fruit harvesting months) estimates of proportions of palmettos fruiting (using the transects and methodology), fruit yield per ramet (by picking and weighing all fruits from each fruiting ramet) and ramet density per site were ade. Palmetto measurements: During April (the peak saw palmetto flowering month in the study area) flowering level estimates were made by quantifying proportions of saw palmettos flowering in 10, 5-m line transects at each site (positioned in a stratified random manner, each 5–30 m apart). The experiment was repeated in 1998 1999 at16 new sites in Florida Panther Wildlife Refuge, Picayune Strand State Forest, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Myakka River State Park, Lake Wales Ridge State Forest and Avon Park Air Force Range. Flowering and fruiting levels in all sites were estimated in 19. Frequent burn sites had been burned every 2–3 years for the past 15 years infrequent burn sites had been burned less often than every 5 years for the past 15 years. Growing season burns had occurred in April–July 1996, and winter burns during November 1996–February 1997. The climate in the area is humid and mild, with an average annual temperature of 21–23 ☌, annual rainfall is 130–150 cm, with most (approximately 60%) occurring from June to September.īurning season & burn frequency: Effects of burning season ('growing season' or 'winter') and burn frequency ('frequent' or 'infrequent') were investigated. Average density of saw palmetto ramets in the understory was 14,000 (± 1,100) ramets/ha.
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Pine densities ranged from 0 trees/ha to 227 trees/ha. The study flatwoods communities were dominated by longleaf pine Pinus palustris and/or slash pines Pinus elliottii. The sites were located in Collier, Sarasota, Highlands and Polk Counties in southwest and central Florida.
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Study sites: The study was undertaken in two stages, the first experiment conducted in 16 pine flatwoods sites during 1997–1998, and the second using 16 different pine flatwoods sites in 1998–1999. The objective of this study was to characterize saw palmetto flowering and fruiting responses to different burning seasons and past burning frequencies, and to facilitate development of controlled burning as a management practice.
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Saw palmetto is a fire-adapted species, with strong post-fire resprouting and flowering responses. Fire is the predominant natural disturbance in most ecosystems in which saw palmettos occur, but fire is also used as a management tool in these areas to maintain land for grazing. As part of a research project investigating controlled burning as a management tool, a study of the effects of burning season and frequency on saw palmetto flowering and fruiting in pine flatwoods in Florida in 1997 to 1999, was undertaken. Due to harvesting pressure on this non-cultivated species, practices that produce sustainable harvests are needed. This palmetto is also often considered a keystone species, serving as habitat or a food source for many associated animals. Medicinal use of saw palmetto Serenoa repens (endemic to the southeastern coastal plain of the United States) fruits has led to a recent sharp increase in fruit harvesting.