Biology and Management of the Pecan Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Mulder, P. G.; Harris, Marvin K.; Grantham, Richard

doi:10.1603/ipm10027

Cited by 13 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…, see also Mulder et al. ). Yet for the first time, we demonstrate that this effect may influence seed predation extent.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

“…In addition, we analyzed the relationship between rainfall and emergence of adult weevils from the soil at a fine-grained temporal scale by plotting the number of emerged weevils and the amount of rainfall per week. We then ran correlation analyses comparing rainfall accumulated in one or two weeks and the number of emerged weevils one week later, since a minimum rainfall threshold is needed to soften the soil enough for weevil emergence (Mulder et al 2012 and references therein).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We then ran correlation analyses comparing rainfall accumulated in one or two weeks and the number of emerged weevils one week later, since a minimum rainfall threshold is needed to soften the soil enough for weevil emergence (Mulder et al. and references therein).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is the case of many preeminent seed consumers such as granivorous insects (e.g., weevils in Mulder et al. , Muñoz et al. , bruchids in Peguero et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Certainly, masting is expected to be especially effective in controlling predators with specialized seed-feeding habits, limited mobility, and a short life span encompassed within the seeding season (Shibata et al 1998). This is the case of many preeminent seed consumers such as granivorous insects (e.g., weevils in Mulder et al 2012, Muñoz et al 2014, bruchids in Peguero et al 2014.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Beyond predator satiation: Masting but also the effects of rainfall stochasticity on weevils drive acorn predation

et al. 2017

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Escaping seed predation is a classic “economy of scale” hypotheses (predator satiation hypothesis, Psh) to explain the selection for the synchronous production of massive and nil seed crops (masting) in plants. The Psh postulates that predator satiation occurs through a combination of (1) “functional satiation,” as not all seeds can be consumed during a massive crop, and (2) “numerical satiation,” as predator populations collapse during poor crop years. Many studies advocate for the Psh, but few have investigated the importance of masting compared to other factors for the control of predation extent. Namely, environmental cues prompting masting could also determine predator's success and, ultimately, influence directly and independently seed predation intensity. We explored this question in Mediterranean oaks, as they exhibit strong masting behavior; acorns are heavily predated upon by weevils; and rainfall stochasticity drives masting and the emergence of adult weevils from the soil. Results of two mid‐term studies (4 and 11 yr) showed that acorn production and predation were highly variable across years, while the abundance of adult weevils was positively related to autumn rainfall and to the number of infested acorns the previous years. Ultimately, acorn predation was negatively influenced by inter‐annual fluctuation of seed production (masting) yet, mainly and positively, prompted by autumn rainfall and acorn crop size (only in one site). Our results highlight the relevance of masting to reduce seed predation. Yet evidences that rainfall stochasticity directly determines the success of weevils, and it independently influences seed predation extent, indicate that environmental cues prompting masting may also fine‐tune the output of this reproductive behavior. Additionally, local differences suggest that the relevance of masting may change with tree characteristics (low vs. high seed production) and landscape structure (isolated vs. dense forests). We also discuss what can be the effects of increasing drought in Mediterranean areas for this antagonistic interaction, triggered by rainfall.

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“…, see also Mulder et al. ). Yet for the first time, we demonstrate that this effect may influence seed predation extent.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is the case of many preeminent seed consumers such as granivorous insects (e.g., weevils in Mulder et al. , Muñoz et al. , bruchids in Peguero et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%