The Establishment of Bracken Following Fire in Tropical Habitats

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Abstract
In the moist tropics, bracken [Pteridium equilinum] spores may be available all year. Slash-and-burn clearing of forest takes place towards the end of the wet season and the slash is then allowed to dry before burning before the wet season. The soil becomes slightly alkaline after fire, in contrast to acid forest soils. Bracken gametophytes become established within a month after burning, and 2 mo. later many sporophytes are formed. Control of germinating spores and gametophytes should be easier than sporophyte control, especially after rhizome formation. The use of fire should be carefully evaluated since it promotes spread of bracken fern.

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