Resumen

LOPEZ, Lidio et al. Radial growth and climate sensitivity of Platymiscium ulei Harms (Red Tarara) in dry forests of the Bolivian Cerrado. Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 2025, vol.60, n.2, pp.38-48.  Epub 30-Sep-2025. ISSN 1605-2528.

This study aims to evaluate the climate sensitivity of radial growth in Platymiscium ulei in the Bolivian Cerrado, in order to improve understanding of the dynamics of tropical dry forests under changing environmental conditions. The scarcity of dendrochronological studies in the region limits knowledge about tree growth ecology and the response of these ecosystems to climate variability. This research helps to fill that gap by analyzing the radial growth of P. ulei (Tarara Colorada) in the Mercedes community, based on a tree-ring chronology covering the period 1923- 2017. The chronology quality, supported by an autocorrelation of 0.50, a mean sensitivity of 0.41, an R-bar of 0.30, and an EPS of 0.85, indicates that the series capture a representative common signal. Climate analysis for the period 1943-2017 revealed a positive correlation between radial growth and precipitation (r = 0.48;p < 0.05), and a negative correlation with temperature (r = -0.25; p < 0.05) during the wet season (October to January). Higher temperatures increase evapotranspiration, thereby reducing growth rates. In addition, the regional analysis of interannual and multidecadal variability reveals a sustained response to dominant hydroclimatic conditions. Two periods of above-average growth stand out (1974-1980 and 1998-2009), which coincide with La Niña episodes and wetter regional phases. In contrast, the periods 1960-1975, 1979-1986, and 1989-1998 show reduced growth, associated with El Niño events and documented droughts. Since 2009, a marked decline in radial growth has been observed, likely linked to the intensification of seasonal droughts and rising extreme temperatures. These findings provide key insights into the climate sensitivity of P. ulei and enhance our understanding of ecological dynamics in tropical dry forests of the Bolivian Cerrado.

Palabras clave : Climate growth response; Climatic variations; Evapotranspiration; Growth rings; Precipitation.

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