Effect of Tree Density on Seed Production and Dispersal of Birch (Betula pendula Roth and Betula pubescens Ehrhs)

Silver and downy birch (Betula pendula Roth B. pubescens Ehrhs) are pioneer species which play an important role in forest regeneration disturbed areas. Knowledge of seed production dispersal is key to making good predictions the persistence colonization birch. Both processes can be affected by density trees neighbourhood. In this study, we studied two plots Wytham Woods, UK, 2015, investigated potential effect neighbourhood tree density. We applied inverse modelling trap data, incorporating around source on path estimate fecundity kernel seeds. show that pattern dispersed seeds was best explained a model included dispersal. There no strong evidence conspecific or heterospecific had Woods. A with diameter at breast height (DBH) 20 cm estimated have produced ~137,000 2015. Mean distance open area 65 m but would reduced 38 closed stand. mean probability long-distance decreases dense environments. Areas higher also intercept more These results highlight importance considering overall landscape when predicting recruitment