The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival and initial growth of Euterpe edulis seedlings transplanted to two light conditions: gaps (clearing area) and understory. Moreover it discusses their ecophysiologycal behavior on these two micro-sites. Ninety seedlings of Euterpe edulis with height about 5 and 25 cm were transplanted in six plots: three on understory and three 3 on gaps (clearing area) in a 2x2m spacing with three rows of plants containing five plants each one. The survival percentage during the period of the study was 36.7% whereas on gaps (clearing area) it was 53.3% and on understory it was 20%. A non-linear regression showed a positive relationship between canopy openness and seedling of E. edulis. The higher survival rate of seedlings on gaps (clearing area) than on understory can be explained by the excess of shade on the latter, caused by the low canopy openness percentage (4.78% on average). There was no influence of canopy openness on seedling height growth.
Regeneration; Forest restoration; Euterpe edulis; Mata do Paraíso Reserve
