Dispersal of Arceuthobiumpusillum seeds

Abstract

Seed dispersal of Arceuthobiumpusillum Peck on Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P. was studied at two locations in Minnesota from 1974–1980. Seed dispersal began as early as August 23 and was observed as late as September 27. Most seeds were dispersed in the mornings between 0400 and 0900. The mean annual distance of dispersal ranged from 1.0 to 2.3 m. The density of seeds trapped on the plots ranged from 4.2 to 16.7 seeds/m2. At both locations, the number of seeds trapped outside the stand decreased logarithmically with distance from the source trees. Within stands, seeds were more frequently trapped 1–4 m from source trees than under them. Most seed dispersal occurred 1-3 days after rain. Seeds were dispersed normally on 23 of 30 days when minimum temperatures were less than 0 °C. Fruit abortion was noted on four occasions. Insects were not found to carry dwarf mistletoe seeds.