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http://dx.doi.org/10.13047/KJEE.2014.28.5.495

A Study on the Ant's Selection of the Diaspores of Four Corydalis Species  

Kim, Gab-Tae (Dept. of Forest Sciences, College of Life Sci. & Resour., Sangji Univ.)
Publication Information
Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology / v.28, no.5, 2014 , pp. 495-499 More about this Journal
Abstract
To search for myrmecochorous plant species, related ant species and diaspore selecting behaviour, collecting fruits and diaspores of four Corydalis species, cafeteria experiments, and the related ant species were studied from May 2013 to July 2014. Four Corydalis species recording in Korea were proved myrmecochorous (seed attached elaiosome) plants newly. Elaiosome shape of these species is spatulate-shaped, but their size is varied considerably in length and width. Significant differences is proved between four plant species in weight of diaspores, seeds and elaiosomes, and elaiosome ratios. Mean values of diaspores weight showed 4.08 mg, 2.56 mg, 2.49 mg and 2.06 mg in Corydalis grandicalyx, C. remota, C. turtschaninovii for. pectinata and C. turtschaninovii var. linearis, respectively. Mean values of seed weights showed 3.68 mg, 2.03 mg, 1.90 mg and 1.67 mg in Corydalis grandicalyx, C. remota, C. turtschaninovii for. pectinata and C. turtschaninovii var. linearis, respectively. Elaiosome ratio of C. turtschaninovii var. linearis was the highest, followed by C. remota, C. turtschaninovii for. pectinata and C. grandicalyx. Ant's preference for the diaspores is ordered as same as elaiosome ratio's order. Major ant species transporting the diaspores of Corydalis species are Formica japonica, Lasius alienus, Lasius japonicus and Tetramorium tsushimae. Formica japonica transports the diaspores most frequently. Ant's preference for the diaspores among plant species or individuals might be influenced on the survival rates of concerned species. Further studies on the myrmecochorous plant and related ant species, cafeteria experiments should be needed.
Keywords
ELAIOSOME; CAFETERIA EXPERIMENT; Formica japonica; MYRMECOCHORY;
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