A sowing experiment was conducted to investigate whether and how secondary succession affects the establishment success ofQuercus calliprinos, a leading species of East Mediterranean maquis. Acorns ofQ. calliprinoswere sown at equivalent densities in experimental plots representing three different stages of the succession: open patches (gaps) dominated by annual plants, patches of low woody vegetation dominated by the early-successional dwarf shrubSarcopoterium spinosum, and patches of matureQ. calliprinostrees. These patch types represent early, middle, and late stages of the succession. Seedlings that emerged in the experimental plots were monitored for survival and growth during two successive years. Seedling emergence was lowest beneath the canopy ofQ. calliprinostrees (2), intermediate in patches ofS. spinosum(54), and highest in gaps (85). Seedling survivorship exhibited an opposite pattern: 67 beneath the canopy ofQ. calliprinostrees. 43 in patches ofS. spinosum, and only 4 in gaps. The combined probability of pre-emergence and post-emergence survival was 23 in patches ofS. spinosum, 3 in closed-canopy patches, and 1 in gaps. These results indicate that (I) secondary succession may have considerable effects on the establishment success ofQ. calliprinosin Mediterranean maquis, and (2) post-emergence death ofQ. calliprinosseedlings may modify patterns of establishment generated by earlier germination and emergence responses. The significance of these results for the natural dynamics and management of maquis dominated byQ. calliprinosis discussed with respect to the concepts of #x201C;regeneration niche#x201D; and #x201C;succession models#x201D;.
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