Seed Predation and Cross‐Pollination in Mast‐Seeding Beech (Fagus Sylvatica) Patches

Abstract

In this study we examined cross—pollination and levels of insect and vertebrate predation on the seeds of beech as a function of stand size and tree size. Cross—pollination in this wind—pollinated species is positively correlated with stand size and flower density. In two mast years, 6—14% of seeds contained no kernels, and in a nonmast year the figure was 24%. Predispersal destruction of seeds by a moth (Cydia fagiglandana) was 3.1% in a mast year and 38% in a nonmast year. The variation in seed destruction by vertebrates was much less between mast (5.7%) and nonmast (12%) years. Destruction by the moth was negatively correlated with tree size, while that by vertebrates was positively correlated with tree size. Vertebrate seed predation was negatively correlated with stand size. In a large stand, <10% of the seeds were consumed by vertebrates by April in two mast years. Both cross—pollination and seed predation may have been important factors in the evolution of mast seeding in beech.