Growth and Survival of Prosopis glandulosa Seedlings Associated with Shade and Herbaceous Competition

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Abstract
Both shade and herbaceous competition reduced the germination and growth of Prosopis glandulosa Torr. (honey mesquite). Natural and artificial shade was used and herbaceous competition was manipulated by clipping and herbicide. Greatest growth of P. glandulosa seedling was in full sunlight when there were no competitors. Plants in shade without competitors or in full sunlight with competitors had intermediate growth, while those in shade with competitors were the smallest. Natural shading by P. glandulosa trees caused similar trends, although significant differences were not always found. Prosopis glandulosa germination in the laboratory was 93 .+-. 5% versus 2%-19% in the field. No P. glandulosa seedlings survived after one growing season in two grassland plots with high biomass, compared with 8% in the herbicide plot. Lack of P. glandulosa seedling germination and growth under mature P. glandulosa trees appears to be the result of reduced light levels and herbaceous plant competition. These factors also result in low numbers of seedlings in grasslands and, coupled with herbivory or fire, could account for their absence.