A study was conducted to identify seed attributes which might influence granivore preferences. Physical and chemical characteristics were estimated for seeds of 7 common sagebrush-steppe species (Artemisia tridentata, Bromus tectorum, Oryzopsis hymenoides, Pascopyrum smithii, Purshia tridentata, Stipa comata and Stipa viridula) and 1 sacrifice food species (Panicum miliaceum). Seed weights and caloric contents were determined, as well as % composition contributed by 5 organic, 3 inorganic and 5 synthetically defined fractions (including crude protein, solvent extract, structural and soluble carbohydrates and lignin). Results indicate that % soluble carbohydrate may be a good predictor of granivore seed preference. The generality of this or any other predictor is unknown, since sufficiently detailed seed attribute data are unavailable for most species. For management scenarios involving seeds subject to predation, such data would help effectively translate ecological understanding of granivory into more efficient management practices. This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information. Migrated from OJS platform August 2020
Scholarly peer-reviewed articles published by the Society for Range Management. Access articles on a rolling-window basis from vol. 1, 1948 up to 5 years from the current year. Formerly Journal of Range Management (JRM). More recent content is available by subscription from SRM.