Abstract

DIAZ-FLEISCHER, Francisco et al. A preliminary investigation of the effect of pre-dispersal seed predation on the germination of Quercus candicans Née acorns. Agrociencia [online]. 2010, vol.44, n.1, pp.83-92. ISSN 2521-9766.

The acorns of oaks (Quercus spp.) are attacked in the pre-dispersal stage by various insect species. Despite the importance of the oaks in reforestation programs, the impact of the attack of these seed predation insects on the germination of the acorns is not well known, is very variable and depends on the oak species. In this study, the infestation level of insects in acorns of Quercus candicans Née was determined along with its effect on germination. For this purpose, samplings were made in the field using traps for collection acorns and direct collecting from de soil. Infestation levels varied from 7 and 21.6 %. The acorns attacked by insects presented a reduction in germination of between 77.7 and 90.7 %. The infested acorns were significantly larger than the non-infested ones. The larvae of the insects found in the seeds belong to the orders Lepidoptera and Coleóptera. The analysis of the results suggests the need to develop control methods of the insects, and to separate the infested acorns to improve the quality of the production of seedlings destined for reforestation.

Keywords : Quercus; acorns; insect pests; infestation; germination; reforestation.