Germination and viability of mesquite (Prosopis pallida) seed following ingestion and excretion by feral pigs (Sus scrofa).

摘要: A study in northern Queensland aimed to determine if feral pigs disperse viable seeds of the invasive woody weed, Prosopis pallida. Thirty-eight dung samples were collected, 19 from within a dense P. pallida infestation and an adjacent area that had been mechanically cleared Ail removed undamaged seed tested for germination viability. Mean (+/- s.e.) dry weight collected averaged 51.1 2.9)g, with no difference between infested sites. Visual estimation contents these showed pods major component dung, averaging 69 4)% 57 those area. Fifty-eight % 42% pig infestation, respectively, contained seed. No significant (P>0.05) was found number present two areas; average 2.4 per sample recorded range 0-19. The germinability this high, 70% all germinating 21 days remainder immediately after scarification.