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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Lianas research in the Neotropics: overview, interaction with trees, and future perspectives

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Author(s):
da Cunha Vargas, Betania [1, 2] ; Grombone-Guaratini, Maria Tereza [3] ; Morellato, Leonor Patricia Cerdeira [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Inst Biociencias, Lab Fenol, Dept Biodiversidade, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Programa Posgrad Biol Vegetal, Lab Fenol, Dept Biodiversidade, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Nucleo Pesquisa Ecol, Inst Bot, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Review article
Source: TREES-STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION; v. 35, n. 2, p. 333-345, APR 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Key message A systematic review (1950-2018) summarizes the research on woody lianas and their interaction with trees in the Neotropics. We identify knowledge gaps, propose new directions for future studies and discuss the control, management, and conservation of lianas. Lianas are key components of species composition, structure and dynamics of tropical forests. Current global warming scenario, however, are favoring increases in the abundance and density of lianas in tropical forests, affecting tree growth, fertility, and the number of tree injuries, therefore, increasing tree mortality over time. Here, we present a systematic review of studies on Neotropical lianas and its relation with trees, aiming to (1) establish the current state of ecological research, identifying knowledge gaps and propose new directions and perspectives for future studies; (2) offer baseline knowledge to support the control, management and conservation of lianas. We surveyed the literature on lianas (woody climbers) since 1900 to 2018 retaining 427 papers. We organized the literature by country, vegetation type, topic addressed and whether the study focused exclusively on lianas or lianas and trees. Our review demonstrated the importance of lianas in tropical forests, and the scarcity of studies on woody savannas and especially extremely dry vegetations as the Caatinga seasonally dry forests and xeric shrublands. Regardless of their remarkable importance and their contribution for diversity, biomass and carbon flux, lianas are rarely included in global vegetation models and have been overlooked in restoration, control, and management programs. We must consider the relevance of lianas in maintaining diversity and microclimate, and as resources for native animals, such as pollinators, herbivores, and seed dispersers, as well as for traditional human communities. Research on ecophysiology and functional spectral traits, and management of lianas are among the key areas in the Anthropocene. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/50155-0 - Combining new technologies to monitor phenology from leaves to ecosystems
Grantee:Leonor Patricia Cerdeira Morellato
Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - University-Industry Cooperative Research (PITE)
FAPESP's process: 10/51307-0 - Floristic diversity and seasonal patterns of rupestrian fields and cerrado
Grantee:Leonor Patricia Cerdeira Morellato
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Partnership for Technological Innovation - PITE
FAPESP's process: 09/54208-6 - Multi-User Centralized Laboratory at the São Paulo State University Center for Biodiversity Studies
Grantee:Célio Fernando Baptista Haddad
Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program