Dr. Peter Breslin: Raymond M. Turner Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Desert Lab at Tumamoc Hill, University of Arizona
Monday May 19, 2025,
2:30pm – 3:30pm,
ASA Koffler Great Room and Zoom
One of our natural treasures in Southern Arizona is our Saguaro cactus, so when we learn they are in danger, we want information about causes. Observers are noticing heat and drought stress and other signs of decline of saguaros in their neighborhoods and in the wild. These signs include increased mortality, loss of arms, increased vulnerability to being blown over by wind, and increased occurrences of black oozing rot. Scientists are still working to figure out exactly what is causing these signs of decline, but preliminary findings suggest that drought and hotter temperatures over the summer, especially hot summer nights, are leading to stress for the saguaro. In his talk, Dr. Breslin outlines the importance of the saguaro cactus, its life history, ecology, and what the future might hold for this keystone plant species.
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