Tracking Animal-Dispersed Seedlings Using ¹⁵N Xylem Injection Method.

ABSTRACT: Although various seed-marking methods have been developed for seed dispersal, it remains difficult to track the actual patterns of seed dispersal and seedling recruitment. Thus, new labeling methods that accurately track seedling establishment along with seed movement would help us better understand seed dispersal. Here, we developed a new nondestructive method using ¹⁵N xylem injection to track seed dispersal and seedling recruitment based on the enriched isotopic signals in the mature seeds. Our results first showed that xylem injection of ¹⁵N successfully enriched ¹⁵N both in the acorns and seedlings of Quercus variabilis. By marking acorns and seedlings with ¹⁵N stable isotopes, we successfully tracked seedlings established from acorns

SUBMITTER: Wang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8120291 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature