Regeneration of mahogany and Spanish cedar in gaps created by railroad tie extraction in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Seeds of mahogany and Spanish cedar were planted in gaps created by harvesting railroad ties at two locations in the Yucatan Peninsula. Gaps averaged 40 m2 in area. Germination after 2 months was very low (2%) for Spanish cedar and moderately low (29%) for mahogany at the one location where it was measured, probably due to predation and fungal damage. Annual seedling mortality was 25–40%, and height growth was moderate to normal, with average height equal to 45 cm after 3 or 4 years, depending upon the location. We conclude that gaps from railroad tie harvesting are not adequate for the establishment of either species from seed. If, however, gaps created by harvesting could be concentrated into at least moderately open areas 400 m2 in area or larger, they may be useful as sites for regenerating both species.