A Simple Solution for a Complex Problem
In a groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Guam, researchers have developed a simple yet effective method to improve the survival and growth of endangered plant species. By strategically placing mirrors beneath plant seedlings, they were able to significantly increase the amount of sunlight reaching the plants, which led to remarkable results.
The study, published in the journal Agronomy, focused on Serianthes nelsonii, a critically endangered legume tree native to the Mariana Islands. This species faces numerous challenges, including short seedling lifespans and high sapling mortality rates. To address these issues, the research team experimented with various techniques to enhance seedling growth and survival.
How Mirrors Helped Seedlings Thrive
This innovative approach holds significant promise for plant conservation efforts. Specifically, the researchers discovered that by placing mirrors beneath the seedlings, they could effectively reflect sunlight onto the plants, thus giving them a much-needed boost in light energy.
Furthermore, in certain instances, the unobstructed mirrors reflected over 70% of incoming sunlight back onto the plants. As a result, the plants exposed to these mirror reflections grew up to 175% taller than the control group and exhibited a 161% higher survival rate.
According to the scientists, “The results indicate that using below-plant reflective surfaces could be easily adopted as an inexpensive component of managing out-planted stock produced in conservation nurseries and increasing the likelihood of improved in situ recruitment.”
