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Resistance of Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) Seeds to Harsh Environments and the Implications for Dispersal by Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) in Georgia, U.S.A

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Russell H. Goddard ,
Theodore M. Webster ,
Richard Carter  and
Timothy L. Grey
Russell H. Goddard*
Affiliation:
Biology Department, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698-0015
Theodore M. Webster
Affiliation:
Crop Protection and Management Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Coastal Plain Experiment Station, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA 31793-0748
Richard Carter
Affiliation:
Biology Department, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698-0015
Timothy L. Grey
Affiliation:
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia–Tifton Campus, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA 31793-0748
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: rgoddard@valdosta.edu
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Abstract

The potential dispersal of Benghal dayflower seeds by mourning doves was studied in southern Georgia, U.S.A. The gut contents (both crop and gizzard) of mourning doves harvested in the autumn months were investigated to determine if mourning doves fed on Benghal dayflower and whether seeds can survive conditions in the bird gut. Research indicated that mourning doves fed selectively on Benghal dayflower with some harvested birds containing hundreds of Benghal dayflower seeds and capsules in their guts. Further, some seeds recovered remained highly viable. Germination rates in seeds taken from bird crops were similar to controls over the first 4 wk of germination and enhanced over control treatments during the latter 16 wk of a 20-wk germination study. Ultimately, seeds extracted from dove crops had 92% germination as compared to 80% for control seeds. Seeds extracted from dove gizzards had 45% germination, about half that of controls. Benghal dayflower seeds have a structurally reinforced seed coat that probably aids in survival of mechanical damage through bird intestinal tracts. Benghal dayflower seeds exposed to 1.0 M HCl treatment for 2 h had little loss in viability, successfully germinating after such treatment. When evaluating mechanisms for the eradication of Benghal dayflower from agricultural crops, consideration needs to be given to the large number of mourning doves and other bird species that visit cropland and potentially aid in its dispersal.

Keywords

Benghal dayflower, Commelina benghalensis L. COMBEmourning dove, Zenaida macroura L.Exotic weedFederal Noxious Weed Listfrugivorygranivoryinvasive speciesinvasive weedseed dispersaltropical spiderwort
Type
Weed Biology and Ecology
Information
Weed Science , Volume 57 , Issue 6 , December 2009 , pp. 603 - 612
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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