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Unpredictable seed-set: a defence mechanism against seed-eating insects inProtea species (Proteaceae)

Abstract

Extent of pre-dispersal seed destruction by insects and seed survival were measured for variousProtea species (Proteaceae) and related to seed-set, variation in seed-set, the percentage of barren infructescences and infructescence age. The hypothesis that low and variable seed-set would act as a defence mechanism against insect seed predators was tested. Results indicated that seed survival and variation in seed-set were highly positively correlated, while seed survival and seed-set were negatively correlated. Variation in seed-set was identified as the most important determinant of seed survival for the range ofProtea species studied.

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Wright, M.G. Unpredictable seed-set: a defence mechanism against seed-eating insects inProtea species (Proteaceae). Oecologia 99, 397–400 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00627755

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00627755

Key words

  • Insects
  • Protea
  • Seed predators
  • Variability
  • Seed-set