Impacts of habitat alterations and predispersal seed predation on the reproductive success of Great Basin forbs

Abstract

Sexual reproductive success in wild plant populations is dependent upon the ability to bank seed for when environmental conditions favor seedling recruitment. Seed production in many plant populations requires the pollination services of local bee populations. A loss in bee diversity as a result of exotic plant invasion or revegetation practices which do not adequately restore the flowering plant resources that support pollinators, contributes to habitat fragmentation. Even after successful pollination, developing ovules and maturing seed are subject to predation by insects. Several species of fruit flies (Tephritidae) are host specific to members of the plant family Asteraceae and can cause significant reductions in total seed yields in wild populations. Such losses in seed yield impact a plant's annual contribution to the seed bank. Reductions in seed yield can also impact the potential rewards from harvesting wild seed for use in the reclamation industry. With the heightened interest in using native plants for restoring western rangelands, securing a reliable seed source, whether from wild seed collection or agricultural production, has become increasingly important. Restoring native forbs in degraded rangelands will help restore native bee populations, improve population stability for pollinators, and improve wildlife habitat.

Citation

Johnson, Robert L. 2008. Impacts of habitat alterations and predispersal seed predation on the reproductive success of Great Basin forbs. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University. 102 p. Dissertation.