Plant propagation and the ecological restoration of Mexican tropical deciduous forests

Abstract

Although tropical deciduous forest (TDF) is the most widespread tropical forest in Mexico, knowledge on its regeneration and restoration ecology is still scarce. Here, we compare the diversity of TDF trees and shrubs having published propagation protocols with the total diversity of tree and shrub species recorded in a survey of 20 sites in Mexico, and we review data on survival of plants transplanted to disturbed sites. A large proportion of propagated species are leguminous, with few or no published reports on 11 diverse and widespread families, which account for 264 species. Data are insufficient for plant performance on disturbed sites, and therefore it is not possible at present to discuss if the large variations in survival are related to different disturbances regimes, climatic variations, soil characteristics, or plant quality. Research on these topics must be encouraged and made available to improve the extent and achievements of ecological restoration programs.