Deer grazing changes seed traits and functions of grazing-intolerant plants |
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| Authors: | Yushin Shinoda Kei Uchida Asuka Koyama Munemitsu Akasaka |
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| Institution: | 1. United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Japan;2. Institute for Sustainable Agro-ecosystem Services, The University of Tokyo, Nishitokyo, Japan;3. Center for Biodiversity, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan;4. Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Japan |
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| Abstract: | Grazing by ungulates can affect seed production in plants, and consequently seed recruitment into seed banks, which is a plant strategy to increase their resilience. The impact of grazing on seed quantity has been well studied; however, the impact of grazing on seed quality has received less attention, despite its role in determining the longevity of a seed bank. Here, we examined the impact of ungulate grazing on seed quality in plants, using two grazing-intolerant grassland species (Hemerocallis dumortieri var. esculenta and Geranium yesoense var. nipponicum). We found that grazing reduced seed length and weight, while increasing the germination rate. These changes in seed quality induced by grazing could reduce the persistence of seed banks and would thus seem to be an important mechanism involved in the impact of ungulate grazing on plant population dynamics. |
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| Keywords: | disturbance-intolerant species germination rate press-type disturbance seed bank subalpine plants |
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