The role of avian frugivores on germination and potential seed dispersal of the Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius

Abstract

The role of avian frugivores on germination and potential seed dispersal of the Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius. Biota Neotrop. 10(3): http:// www.biotaneotropica.org.br/v10n3/en/abstract?article+bn00910032010.Abstract: Frugivorous birds play a key role in seed dispersal and establishment of a range of plant species, including invasive weeds, such as the Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius. The potential of seed dispersal of Schinus by birds with varied feeding behaviours was studied through seed-viability tests and germination experiments using seeds obtained from birds in the field and birds kept in captivity. It was found that seeds collected after gut passage in five bird species in the field had higher proportion of germination as well as higher germination rates compared to the control seeds. Viability of seeds ingested by the Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis, which mandibulates seeds before ingesting, was significantly lower than control seeds, while reduction in viability of seeds ingested by the Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus was nonsignificant. Seeds ingested by birds in captivity germinated earlier than the control seeds, within 1-2 weeks, and had proportion and germination rates higher than controls. Probably both mechanical and chemical effects play a role in enhancing germination of seeds. In Brazil where both Schinus and avian frugivores had evolved together, the dependence of Schinus on generalist frugivores had been demonstrated in this study, similar to other countries where the invasive Schinus is dependent on native or introduced avian species for its spreading. This finding has important implications for the restoration of human-altered areas in South America, were Schinus is a native pioneer species, as well as for the management and restoration of areas invaded by Schinus elsewhere. Resumo: As aves frugívoras desempenham papel chave na dispersão de sementes e no estabelecimento de uma ampla gama de espécies de plantas, incluindo espécies invasoras como a Aroeira-vermelha Schinus terebinthifolius. O potencial de dispersão das sementes de Aroeira-vermelha pelas aves com diferentes tipos de comportamentos alimentares foi estudado através de testes de viabilidade de sementes e experimentos de germinação de sementes obtidas de aves em campo e de aves mantidas em cativeiro. Demonstrou-se que as sementes coletadas após a passagem pelo trato digestório de cinco espécies de aves em campo tiveram proporção de germinação mais alta e taxas de germinação semelhantes aos controles. A viabilidade das sementes ingeridas por Thraupis bonariensis, o qual mandibula as sementes antes de ingeri-las foi significativamente inferior ao controle, enquanto a redução na viabilidade das sementes ingeridas por Turdus amaurochalinus não foi significante. Sementes ingeridas por aves em cativeiro germinaram antes que seus controles, entre 1 e 2 semanas, e tiveram proporção e taxa de germinação mais altas que o controle. Provavelmente ambos os efeitos, químico e mecânico, desempenh...

The role of frugivorous birds in fruit removal and seed germination of the invasive alien Cotoneaster franchetii in central Argentina

“…), diet specializations or foraging methods, since T. chiguanco swallows entire fruits, whereas T. bonariensis mandibulates fruits (D'Avila et al . ). In concordance with other studies, this finding suggests that effects of seed passage through avian guts are dependent on the interacting bird species (Robertson et al .…”

Ingestion by an invasive parakeet species reduces germination success of invasive alien plants relative to ingestion by indigenous turaco species in South Africa

“…Furthermore, it has been suggested that minor abrasion may facilitate germination success of ingested seeds, while excessive abrasion of seeds may reduce germination success (D'Avila et al 2010). Barnea et al (1991) reported that there are plant species that require seed coat abrasion for germination or that require only pulp removal for germination.…”

“…The process of seed dispersal by avian frugivores usually involves the consumption of pulp and regurgitation or excretion of intact seeds (D'Avila et al 2010;Fedriani et al 2011;Czarnecka et al 2012). This process is mutually beneficial as plants benefit from seed dispersal away from the parent plant to locations with fewer pathogens (Wenny 2001;Aslan 2011;Fricke et al 2013) while frugivores benefit from important food resources and energy rewards (Jordaan et al 2011b; Mokotjomela et al 2013a).…”

“…Many studies show that germination is more successful after seeds pass through the digestive tract of frugivores (Traveset 1998;Yagihashi et al 1999;Traveset et al 2001;Paulsen and Hogstedt 2002;LaFleur et al 2009;D'Avila et al 2010;Reid and Armesto 2011;Jordaan et al 2011a). Seed ingestion by dispersers helps seeds escape predation, competition, and fungal attack under the parent tree, thereby increasing the chance of survival (Chimera and Drake 2010;Fedriani et al 2011;Jordaan et al 2011a).…”

Dispersão e Caracterização de Frutos de Myrceugenia euosma em Floresta Ombrófila Mista no Sul do Brasil

“…Zonotrichia capensis (tico-tico) e Stephanophorus diadematus (cabeça-de-velho) foram as aves com a maior frequência de visitas e de registro de consumo efetivo dos frutos, sem a ocorrência de períodos preferencias para visitação. De maneira geral, as aves apresentam o comportamento de consumir os frutos sem destruir as sementes, mesmo com a passagem pelo trato digestório (Grelle & Garcia, 1999) que, por sua vez, pode interferir positivamente na germinação de sementes (D' Avila et al, 2010;Guerta et al, 2011). Aves são consideradas excelentes dispersoras pelo fato de depositarem suas fezes em locais distantes das plantas parentais, nos quais as taxas de predação e competição são menores (Francisco & Galetti, 2001).…”