Bird dissemination of Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum

Abstract

Long distance dissemination of Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum (Engelm.) Hawksworth and Wiens was studied at the Manitou Experimental Forest, Teller County, Colorado. Specifically, the role that birds play in disseminating the parasite over long distances was examined. Dwarf mistletoe occurrence in an 0.8 km x 4. 3 km area was plotted on 1 :7920 aerial photographs. Thirty two infection centers (satellite centers) were found in 128 h of healthy timber. They were judged to have originated by some means other than or in addition to explosive seed discharge. Satellite centers were 0.1 m2 to 3000 m2 in size and up to 458 m from the nearest inoculum source. They occurred on various topographical sites but never in gulches or similar confined drainages. All but two centers originated from seeds yielding female flowers. In 27 satellite centers, original infections were found. They ranged in age from 17 to 120 years.

Citation

Hudler, George W. 1976. Bird dissemination of Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum. Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University. 82 p. Dissertation.