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The specialist seed predator Bruchidius dorsalis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) plays a crucial role in the seed germination of its host plant, Gleditsia japonica (Leguminosae)
Article first published online: 19 APR 2002
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2435.2002.00619.x
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How to Cite
Takakura, K. (2002), The specialist seed predator Bruchidius dorsalis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) plays a crucial role in the seed germination of its host plant, Gleditsia japonica (Leguminosae). Functional Ecology, 16: 252–257. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2435.2002.00619.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 19 APR 2002
- Article first published online: 19 APR 2002
- Received 17 August 2001; revised 8 October 2001; accepted 10 October 2001
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- Bruchid;
- hard seed;
- mutualism;
- physical dormancy
Summary
- 1This paper describes the germination mechanism of hard seeds of a species of honey locust, Gleditsia japonica, which can germinate only when externally damaged, in relation to four germinating factors: feeding damage by two specialist seed predators, a bean weevil (Bruchidius dorsalis) and a cydid bug (Adrisa magna); feeding damage by a generalist seed predator, a wild mouse (Apodemus speciosus); and physical damage.
- 2In laboratory experiments, both the bean weevil and physical damage facilitated germination, while damage by the cydid bug and wild mouse did not.
- 3In contrast to laboratory findings, field censuses of G. japonica seed survival revealed that more than 99% were damaged either by B. dorsalis or A. magna. Therefore, less than 0·5% of the seeds remained intact, preventing formation of a seed bank.
- 4In addition, all germinating seeds found in the field contained B. dorsalis larvae.
- 5These results strongly suggest that damage by B. dorsalis is a prerequisite for G. japonica germination, in contrast to the conventional view that physical disturbance, possibly flooding, is the primary germinating factor for hard seeds.