Ecología en Bolivia
versión impresa ISSN 1605-2528versión On-line ISSN 2075-5023
Resumen
ZAMBRANA TORRELIO, Carlos M.; VILLEGAS, Mariana; URENA ARANDA, Cinthya y PACORICONA, Mónica. Folivory variation in Begonia parviflora (Begoniaceae) with relation to leaf age and plant phenology. Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 2004, vol.39, n.1, pp.45-51. ISSN 1605-2528.
We have evaluated the leaf damage in Begonia parviflora (Begoniaceae) at the Estación Biológica Tunquini, Nor Yungas - La Paz, Bolivia, to compare herbivory damage between young and mature leaves in plants with and without flowers. We found a greater damage in mature leaves regardless of the phenological stage (F = 133.460; P < 0,001; two way ANOVA). The relationship between folivory and phenological stage was not significant (F = 1.806; P = 0.183; two way ANOVA). Flowering in B. parviflora was related positively to the canopy aperture (chi2 = 7.87; P = 0.005). The pattern found is similar to other pioneer species reported in montane forests. Since there is no relationship between phenological stage and folivory, and perhaps because of its pioneer condition, this species is tolerant to leave damage.
Palabras clave : Folivory; Begonia parviflora; pioneer plants; montane forests; Bolivia.