Invasive species are often successful and problematic because of their ability to persist in disturbed and undisturbed environments despite weed management practices. Understanding reproduction and dispersal strategies in these species can aid in developing management approaches to help control their spread. Centaurea melitensis, a nonnative invasive with European origins, is found in disturbed areas of southern California. It produces three different types of flower heads that develop at different times and at different locations on the plant during the growing season. The chasmogamous (CH) flower heads are located at the top of the plant, the initial cleistogamous (iCL) heads are located at the base of the plant and at some branch and axillary points, and the final cleistogamous (fCL) heads are located along the stem and at some branch points. This pattern differs from that in Centaurea solstitialis, its most closely related congener, which develops one type of flower head with two morphologically distinct achenes within each flower head: peripheral and center achenes. The overall objective of this study was to examine potential differences between peripheral and center achenes of Centaurea melitensis, including morphological differences in dispersal features, potential differences in response to temperature, tendency to disperse, dormancy and viability. The approach involved selecting whole plants from the field and separating peripheral and center achenes from each of the three head types. Morphological differences were assessed by measuring mass, fruit length, fruit width, pappus length, pappus width, and elaiosome features. Temperature response patterns were evaluated by exposing peripheral and center achenes to temperatures ranging from 5 C to 30 C and measuring germination. Tendency of different achene types to remain in the flower heads was assessed by comparing ratios of peripheral to center achenes in heads immediately after maturation (March to June) to the ratios remaining in heads in early fall (September). Viability and dormancy testing was performed using a cut test and tetrazolium chloride tests in conjunction with germination tests. Results of these studies indicate that peripheral achenes of Centaurea melitensis were lighter and narrower, with shorter pappi and smaller elaiosomes than center achenes. Peripheral achenes responded similarly to their center counterparts in germination response to temperature, but the pattern differed among head types. Broad temperature optima were observed within the fCL and CH heads and a narrow optimum was observed in iCL. There was no evidence that the peripheral achenes remained in the heads longer than the center achenes. Ratios of peripheral to center achenes were 3.8:1 in CH heads, 2.23:1 in iCL heads, and 1.94:1 in fCL heads. Peripheral achenes were more likely to be dormant while maintaining viability than center achenes were. The results of this study, therefore, indicate that peripheral and center achenes of Centaurea melitensis differ morphologically. Dispersal features, such as pappi and elaiosomes, were more highly developed in center achenes than in peripheral achenes, but these differences were not reflected in differences in behavior to the extent we could measure it (i.e., the tendency to remain in heads or the germination responses to temperature). Differences between peripheral and center achenes of Centaurea melitensis trended in the same direction as differences seen in its closely related congener, Centaurea solstitialis, which has center achenes that disperse more readily than peripheral achenes. However, the differences observed in Centaurea melitensis were not as pronounced as those seen in Centaurea solstitialis.

Orientadores: João Semir, Claudia Regina Baptista Haddad / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-06T19:56:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Martins_ValeriaForni_M.pdf: 483481 bytes, checksum: de1841bbb07595e099d234a9e852e91e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / Resumo: A reprodução vegetal por meio de sementes compreende duas fases: a de regeneração dos indivíduos de uma população e a de estabelecimento dos adultos. A fase regenerativa consiste de uma série de estádios, como liberação, dispersão, dormência/quiescência e germinação de sementes, e estabelecimento de plântulas, cada um com variações na duração e no mecanismo de acordo com a espécie ou a população. Desta forma, a dispersão de sementes é a etapa do ciclo reprodutivo das plantas que inicia a renovação das populações vegetais. Vantagens da dispersão incluem a deposição desproporcional mente maior de sementes em sítios que são melhores para a sobrevivência de sementes e o estabelecimento de plântulas, sendo estes os componentes da hipótese de dispersão direcionaI. Apesar da dispersão direcional ser considerada de comum ocorrência e de grande importância ecológica, há poucos exemplos descritos na literatura. No entanto, um dos casos mais reconhecidos é a mirmecocoria, ou dispersão de sementes por formigas. Ricinus communis, popularmente conhecida como mamona, tem sementes tipicamente mirmecocóricas que são dispersas secundariamente por formigas. Estes insetos carregam as sementes com elaiossomo até seus ninhos, onde retiram e retêm este apêndice, e descartam as sementes sem elaiossomo no exterior dos formigueiros. Assim, formigas podem atuar como dispersores direcionais de R. communis, além de provavelmente desempenharem um importante papel na germinação de suas sementes, uma vez que é atribuída a existência de substâncias inibidoras de germinação ao elaiossomo. É popularmente conhecido que R. communis forma bancos de sementes persistentes, apesar de não existirem registros científicos dos mesmos. Devido à capacidade de ocupar os mais diversos habitats após perturbação, o que pode ser atribuído à regeneração a partir de bancos de sementes, esta espécie é considerada ruderal. Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar se R. communis apresenta dispersão direcional por formigas e se a ocupação de novos habitats pode ser atribuída às possíveis características ruderais da fase regenerativa pós-dispersão desta espécie. Foi encontrado um maior número de sementes sem elaiossomo, plântulas e jovens de R. communis nos locais de descarte de formigueiros, e sementes com elaiossomo foram igualmente encontradas nestes locais e em suas redondezas. A remoção de sementes pós-dispersas de R. communis não diferiu entre locais de descarte de formigueiros e suas redondezas. A remoção apresentou um pequeno aumento ao longo do tempo e foi inversamente dependente de densidade. No entanto, a redução da remoção não foi proporcional ao aumento da densidade dê sementes originalmente depositadas nos locais de descarte de formigueiros e em suas redondezas. Solos de formigueiros não apresentaram maior concentração de nutrientes, e não houve diferença no número de sementes germinadas e no vigor de jovens entre locais de descarte de formigueiros e suas redondezas. Além disto, formigas não conferiram proteção diferencial contra herbivoria às plântulas crescendo nos locais de descarte de seus ninhos. Sementes de R. communis de diferentes idades apresentaram respostas de germinação distintas, porém, foi observada germinação em todas as condições às quais foram expostas. Além disto, sementes com um ano não apresentaram resposta de germinação esperada para sementes que são incorporadas em bancos de sementes. Foram encontradas poucas sementes viáveis de R. communis no solo, apesar de ser observada emergência maciça de plântulas após perturbação do solo em diversas áreas. A espécie é heliófila, porém capaz de ocupar habitats consideravelmente sombreados. Além disto, R. communis é uma fraca competidora, mas é capaz de se estabelecer em áreas que têm alta densidade de indivíduos. O presente estudo demonstrou que a deposição de sementes pós-dispersas em locais de descarte de formigueiros não confere vantagens adicionais a R. communis e que formigas não atuam como dispersores direcionais desta espécie. Além disto, R. communis não apresenta todas as características típicas de plantas ruderais, e seu sucesso em colonizar os mais variados habitats pode ser atribuído à sua plasticidade de respostas às diversas condições ambientais / Abstract: Plant reproduction through seeds has two phases: the regeneration of the individuals of a population and the establishment of the adult plants. The regenerative phase consists of many stages, such as seed release, dispersal, dormancy/quiescency and germination, and seedling establishment, each with differences in duration an? in mechanisms according to the species or to the population. In this way, seed dispersal is the event of plant reproduction cycle that initiates plant population regeneration. Advantages of seed dispersal include the disproportional higher seed deposition in micro-habitats that are more suitable for seed survival and seedling establishment, which are the components of the directed dispersal hypothesis. Although directed dispersal is considered common and ecologically important, few examples are described in literature. However, one of the best-known cases is myrmecochory, or seed dispersal by ants. Ricinus communis, the commonly known castor, has typical myrmecochorous seeds that are secondarily dispersed by ants, which remove seeds with elaiosome into their nests and discard them out in the pile mound without the appendage. Therefore, ants may act as directed dispersers of this species, and may also play a major role in seed germination, once the elaiosome of R. communis seeds is regarded as having germination inhibitory substances. It is commonplace that this species forms persistent soil seed banks, though no study has demonstrated the existence of such seed banks. Due to its ability to occupy the most different habitats after local disturbance, which may be attributed to the regeneration through seed banks, R. communis is considered a ruderal species. This study aimed to determine whether seeds of R. communis present directed dispersal by ants and whether the ruderal features of the post-dispersal regenerative phase assure the species ability to successfully occupy new habitats. There was a greater number of R. communis seeds without elaiosome, seedlings and juveniles in ant nest pile mounds, and seeds with elaiosome were equally distributed between the pile mounds and their vicinities. The removaI of post-dispersed seeds of R. communis from the pile mounds did not differ from the removal in their vicinities. AIso, the removal presented a small increase along time and was inversely density-dependent. However, the reduction in the removal was not proportional to the rise in the density of seeds originally placed in the pile mounds and in nheir vicinities. Ant nest pile mound soils were not nutrient-enriched, and we found no differences in the number of germinated seeds and in the juveniIe vigor measurements between the pile mounds and their vicinities. Also, ants did not provide differential protection for seedlings in the piles mounds against herbivores. Fresh and one year old seeds presented distinguished germination response, although they germinated in all conditions they were submitted to. Also, one year oId seeds did not present typical germination response of seeds that may constitute seed banks. We found few viable seeds of R. communis in the soil, though massive seedling emergence after soil disturbance was observed in many sites. Ricinus communis is light-demanding, but may occupy pretty shady sites. Also, the species is a poor competitor, especially with individuaIs of other species, but is capable of establishing in areas with high density of individuaIs. This study demonstrated that the deposition of post-dispersed seeds in the pile mounds does not provide additional advantages for R. communis and that ants do not act as directed dispersers of this species. AIso, R. communis does not present all typicaI features of ruderal plants, and its success in coIonizing the most different habitats may be attributed to the species' plasticity facing environmentaI conditions / Mestrado / Mestre em Ecologia

Ce travail porte sur la dispersion des graines par les fourmis et se divise en deux parties : l’une expérimentale (Chapitres 1, 2 & 3) et l’autre synthétique (Chapitres 4 & 5). L’approche expérimentale a consisté en une exploration en conditions de laboratoire des comportements des fourmis à deux étapes du processus de myrmécochorie: à la source de graines et dans le nid. Des graines des plantes myrmécochores Viola odorata et Chelidonium majus ont été présentées aux fourmis Lasius niger et Myrmica rubra. Chaque étape de la séquence myrmécochorique a généré une variabilité des comportements propre à chacun des quatre couples fourmis-graines. L’élaiosome n’attire pas les fourmis à distance. Les fourmis suivent toujours la même séquence de comportements : antennation, manipulation et prise des graines. Le nombre d’antennations et de manipulations avant la prise de graines peut être considéré comme un indicateur de l’« hésitation » des fourmis à prendre les graines. L’espèce à tendance carnivore Myrmica rubra a été plus rapide et efficace dans la prise de graines que l’espèce éleveuse de pucerons Lasius niger. Parallèlement, les fourmis ont moins antenné, moins manipulé et plus pris de graines de Chelidonium majus, ce qui montre un intérêt particulier pour cette espèce. Un jour après l’expérience, toutes les graines des deux espèces se trouvaient dans les déchets à l’extérieur du nid, avec au moins la moitié des élaiosomes consommés (Chapitre 1). Lors du passage des graines à l’intérieur du nid, les fourmis Myrmica rubra ont également montré une capacité à traiter les graines rapidement, en montrant une dynamique d’arrachage de l’élaiosome et de rejet des graines hors du nid plus rapide. Le taux d’arrachage de l’élaiosome a été influencé par l’espèce de graine, plus important pour les graines de Chelidonium majus. Nous avons montré qu’une proportion variable de graines rapportées au nid (moins de la moitié) étaient déposées directement au contact des larves, les autres étant traitées ailleurs par les ouvrières ou laissées temporairement à l’abandon dans le nid. Par ailleurs, les dynamiques de rejet des items hors du nid ont curieusement été peu influencées par l’espèce de graine. Pour une graine, le fait de ne plus avoir d’élaiosome diminue le nombre moyen d’ouvrières qui la contacte simultanément. Parallèlement, même si la réponse n’est pas de type « tout ou rien », l’absence d’élaiosome accroit aussi la probabilité qu’une graine a d’être rejetée. (Chapitre 2). Nous avons isolé expérimentalement le paramètre de dessiccation des graines afin mesurer son influence sur le taux de prises. La dessiccation progressive des graines réduit les taux de prises par les fourmis Myrmica rubra. La réhydratation des mêmes graines leur permet de retrouver une attractivité et donc une valeur fonctionnelle prolongée. Les graines de Viola odorata perdent presque toute attractivité après 4 jours de dessiccation et leur réhydratation ne rétabli que faiblement leur attractivité. A l’inverse, les graines de Chelidonium majus gardent un tiers de leur attractivité après un mois de dessiccation et leur réhydratation restaure presque entièrement leur attractivité (Chapitre 3). La synthèse bibliographique a permis de dresser un aperçu des principales caractéristiques des fourmis dispersatrices de graines myrmécochores. Certains traits « généralistes » rendent les rencontres entre fourmis et graines très probables : leur ubiquité et diversité taxonomique, leur régime alimentaire omnivore, et leur fourragement « diffus » et opportuniste. Les fourmis possèdent des traits qui les rendent uniques par rapport aux autres insectes : le fourragement au sol, la capacité à transporter de la nourriture, ainsi que la nidification. Certains traits des fourmis ont une influence considérable sur la dispersion des graines : leur taille, les préférences de régime alimentaire, la phénologie, la capacité d’apprentissage et la fréquence de déménagement des nids. Nous développons également l’hypothèse que la rapidité et l’efficacité du traitement des graines par les fourmis seraient une conséquence d’un comportement hygiénique des fourmis à tendance carnivore, habituées à gérer des proies périssables (Chapitre 4). Nous avons dressé pour la première fois une liste des espèces de plantes myrmécochores et potentiellement myrmécochores des régions d’Europe tempérée (260 spp.). Nous montrons que ces dernières sont majoritairement herbacées, et ont tendance à fleurir plus précocement que les autres espèces. La proportion de graines myrmécochores comprises entre 1 et 3 mm et entre 0,6 et 10 mg est plus importante que dans le reste de la flore (Chapitre 5). / This study concerns seed dispersal by ants and is divided in two parts: one experimental (chapters 1, 2 & 3), and one synthetic (chapters 4 & 5). Experimental work consisted in a series of laboratory experiments, in which ant behaviour was studied at two stages of the dispersal process: at the seed source and inside the nest. Seeds of the myrmecochorous plants Viola odorata and Chelidonium majus were presented to two ant species: Lasius niger and Myrmica rubra. Each stage of the myrmecochory sequence generated a variability of behaviours for each of the four ant-seed pairs. The elaiosomedo not attract seed at a distance. Ants followed always the same behavioural sequence: antennations, manipulations, and removal. The number of antennations and manipulations before removal can be considered as a measure of ants’ “hesitation” to remove seeds. The carnivorous species Myrmica rubra was faster and more efficient at taking seeds than the aphid-tending Lasius niger. At the same time, ants antennated and manipulated less Chelidonium majus seeds, which shows a particular interest for this seed species. One day after the experiment, all seeds of both species were located outside the nest in the refuse piles. At least half of their elaiosomes had been consumed (chapter 1). Inside the nest, Myrmica rubra also showed a great ability to treat seeds quickly, i.e. quicker dynamics of elaiosome removal and seed rejection outside the nest. Elaiosome removal rates were influenced by seed species (higher for Chelidonium majus). We showed that a variable proportion of seeds (less than half) was directly deposited in contact with larvae. The rest of the seeds were handled elsewhere by workers, or left temporarily unattended in the nest. Dynamics of seed rejection outside the nest were curiously little influenced by the seed species. For a seed, to loose the elaiosome decreased the number of workers manipulating it. At the same time, even if the rejection response is not automatic, the absence of elaiosome increases the probability for a seed to be rejected (Chapter 2). We isolated the desiccation parameter in order to measure its influence on seed removal rates. Progressive seed desiccation reduced Myrmica rubra removal rates. Rehydration of the same seeds restored their attractiveness, thereby prolonging their functional life. Viola odorata seeds lost almost all their attractiveness after 4 days of desiccation, and rehydration only restored a reduced part of their attractiveness. On the contrary, Chelidonium majus seeds kept one third of their attractiveness after one month of desiccation, and recovered almost all their attractiveness after rehydration (Chapter 3). The bibliographic review allowed us to compile an outline of the main features of seed-disperser ants. Some generalist features highly increase the probability that ants encounter seeds: their ubiquity and taxonomic diversity, omnivorous diet and their opportunistic “diffuse” foraging. Among insects, ants have unique traits that make them broad dispsersers: ground foraging, the ability to transport items, and nesting behaviour. Some other traits have a great influence on the seed dispersal system: the ant body size, their diet preferences, the phenology of the colony, the learning, and the frequence of nest relocation. We also develop the hypothesis according to which, handling efficiency of ants is a byproduct of hygienic behaviour of carnivorous oriented species, since they are used to manage perishable preys (Chapter 4). We compiled the first list of myrmecochorous and potentially myrmecochorous plants species of European temperate regions (260 spp.). We show that these plants are mainly herbaceous. They also tend to flower earlier than the whole flora. The proportions of myrmecochorous seeds having a size range between 1 and 3 mm, and a weight range between 0.6 and 10 mg are higher than in the rest of the flora (Chapter 5).

Various aspects of myrmecochory were investigated. Effect of different storage methods on atractiveness of seeds with elaiosomes for ants was examined. Viable seed bank of refuse piles (places where ants deposit unused objects from ant nests, e.g. seeds after the elaiosome was eaten) and places outside them were compared. Chemical content of five major chemical groups, specifically amino acids, free fatty acids, organic acids, polyols and sugars, of elaiosomes and seeds of selected species was determined, and compared with respect to their taxonomic relatedness.

Various aspects of myrmecochory were investigated. Effect of different storage methods on atractiveness of seeds with elaiosomes for ants was examined. Viable seed bank of refuse piles (places where ants deposit unused objects from ant nests, e.g. seeds after the elaiosome was eaten) and places outside them were compared. Chemical content of five major chemical groups, specifically amino acids, free fatty acids, organic acids, polyols and sugars, of elaiosomes and seeds of selected species was determined, and compared with respect to their taxonomic relatedness.

Ce travail porte sur la dispersion des graines par les fourmis et se divise en deux parties :l’une expérimentale (Chapitres 1, 2 & 3) et l’autre synthétique (Chapitres 4 & 5). L’approche expérimentale a consisté en une exploration en conditions de laboratoire des comportements des fourmis à deux étapes du processus de myrmécochorie: à la source de graines et dans le nid. Des graines des plantes myrmécochores Viola odorata et Chelidonium majus ont été présentées aux fourmis Lasius niger et Myrmica rubra. Chaque étape de la séquence myrmécochorique a généré une variabilité des comportements propre à chacun des quatre couples fourmis-graines. <p>L’élaiosome n’attire pas les fourmis à distance. Les fourmis suivent toujours la même séquence de comportements :antennation, manipulation et prise des graines. Le nombre d’antennations et de manipulations avant la prise de graines peut être considéré comme un indicateur de l’« hésitation » des fourmis à prendre les graines. L’espèce à tendance carnivore Myrmica rubra a été plus rapide et efficace dans la prise de graines que l’espèce éleveuse de pucerons Lasius niger. Parallèlement, les fourmis ont moins antenné, moins manipulé et plus pris de graines de Chelidonium majus, ce qui montre un intérêt particulier pour cette espèce. Un jour après l’expérience, toutes les graines des deux espèces se trouvaient dans les déchets à l’extérieur du nid, avec au moins la moitié des élaiosomes consommés (Chapitre 1).<p>Lors du passage des graines à l’intérieur du nid, les fourmis Myrmica rubra ont également montré une capacité à traiter les graines rapidement, en montrant une dynamique d’arrachage de l’élaiosome et de rejet des graines hors du nid plus rapide. Le taux d’arrachage de l’élaiosome a été influencé par l’espèce de graine, plus important pour les graines de Chelidonium majus. Nous avons montré qu’une proportion variable de graines rapportées au nid (moins de la moitié) étaient déposées directement au contact des larves, les autres étant traitées ailleurs par les ouvrières ou laissées temporairement à l’abandon dans le nid. Par ailleurs, les dynamiques de rejet des items hors du nid ont curieusement été peu influencées par l’espèce de graine. Pour une graine, le fait de ne plus avoir d’élaiosome diminue le nombre moyen d’ouvrières qui la contacte simultanément. Parallèlement, même si la réponse n’est pas de type « tout ou rien », l’absence d’élaiosome accroit aussi la probabilité qu’une graine a d’être rejetée. (Chapitre 2).<p>Nous avons isolé expérimentalement le paramètre de dessiccation des graines afin mesurer son influence sur le taux de prises. La dessiccation progressive des graines réduit les taux de prises par les fourmis Myrmica rubra. La réhydratation des mêmes graines leur permet de retrouver une attractivité et donc une valeur fonctionnelle prolongée. Les graines de Viola odorata perdent presque toute attractivité après 4 jours de dessiccation et leur réhydratation ne rétabli que faiblement leur attractivité. A l’inverse, les graines de Chelidonium majus gardent un tiers de leur attractivité après un mois de dessiccation et leur réhydratation restaure presque entièrement leur attractivité (Chapitre 3).<p>La synthèse bibliographique a permis de dresser un aperçu des principales caractéristiques des fourmis dispersatrices de graines myrmécochores. Certains traits « généralistes » rendent les rencontres entre fourmis et graines très probables :leur ubiquité et diversité taxonomique, leur régime alimentaire omnivore, et leur fourragement « diffus » et opportuniste. Les fourmis possèdent des traits qui les rendent uniques par rapport aux autres insectes :le fourragement au sol, la capacité à transporter de la nourriture, ainsi que la nidification. Certains traits des fourmis ont une influence considérable sur la dispersion des graines :leur taille, les préférences de régime alimentaire, la phénologie, la capacité d’apprentissage et la fréquence de déménagement des nids. Nous développons également l’hypothèse que la rapidité et l’efficacité du traitement des graines par les fourmis seraient une conséquence d’un comportement hygiénique des fourmis à tendance carnivore, habituées à gérer des proies périssables (Chapitre 4).<p>Nous avons dressé pour la première fois une liste des espèces de plantes myrmécochores et potentiellement myrmécochores des régions d’Europe tempérée (260 spp.). Nous montrons que ces dernières sont majoritairement herbacées, et ont tendance à fleurir plus précocement que les autres espèces. La proportion de graines myrmécochores comprises entre 1 et 3 mm et entre 0,6 et 10 mg est plus importante que dans le reste de la flore (Chapitre 5).<p>/<p>This study concerns seed dispersal by ants and is divided in two parts: one experimental (chapters 1, 2 & 3), and one synthetic (chapters 4 & 5). <p>Experimental work consisted in a series of laboratory experiments, in which ant behaviour was studied at two stages of the dispersal process: at the seed source and inside the nest. Seeds of the myrmecochorous plants Viola odorata and Chelidonium majus were presented to two ant species: Lasius niger and Myrmica rubra. Each stage of the myrmecochory sequence generated a variability of behaviours for each of the four ant-seed pairs.<p>The elaiosomedo not attract seed at a distance. Ants followed always the same behavioural sequence: antennations, manipulations, and removal. The number of antennations and manipulations before removal can be considered as a measure of ants’ “hesitation” to remove seeds. The carnivorous species Myrmica rubra was faster and more efficient at taking seeds than the aphid-tending Lasius niger. At the same time, ants antennated and manipulated less Chelidonium majus seeds, which shows a particular interest for this seed species. One day after the experiment, all seeds of both species were located outside the nest in the refuse piles. At least half of their elaiosomes had been consumed (chapter 1). <p>Inside the nest, Myrmica rubra also showed a great ability to treat seeds quickly, i.e. quicker dynamics of elaiosome removal and seed rejection outside the nest. Elaiosome removal rates were influenced by seed species (higher for Chelidonium majus). We showed that a variable proportion of seeds (less than half) was directly deposited in contact with larvae. The rest of the seeds were handled elsewhere by workers, or left temporarily unattended in the nest. Dynamics of seed rejection outside the nest were curiously little influenced by the seed species. For a seed, to loose the elaiosome decreased the number of workers manipulating it. At the same time, even if the rejection response is not automatic, the absence of elaiosome increases the probability for a seed to be rejected (Chapter 2).<p>We isolated the desiccation parameter in order to measure its influence on seed removal rates. Progressive seed desiccation reduced Myrmica rubra removal rates. Rehydration of the same seeds restored their attractiveness, thereby prolonging their functional life. Viola odorata seeds lost almost all their attractiveness after 4 days of desiccation, and rehydration only restored a reduced part of their attractiveness. On the contrary, Chelidonium majus seeds kept one third of their attractiveness after one month of desiccation, and recovered almost all their attractiveness after rehydration (Chapter 3). <p>The bibliographic review allowed us to compile an outline of the main features of seed-disperser ants. Some generalist features highly increase the probability that ants encounter seeds: their ubiquity and taxonomic diversity, omnivorous diet and their opportunistic “diffuse” foraging. Among insects, ants have unique traits that make them broad dispsersers: ground foraging, the ability to transport items, and nesting behaviour. Some other traits have a great influence on the seed dispersal system: the ant body size, their diet preferences, the phenology of the colony, the learning, and the frequence of nest relocation. We also develop the hypothesis according to which, handling efficiency of ants is a byproduct of hygienic behaviour of carnivorous oriented species, since they are used to manage perishable preys (Chapter 4). <p>We compiled the first list of myrmecochorous and potentially myrmecochorous plants species of European temperate regions (260 spp.). We show that these plants are mainly herbaceous. They also tend to flower earlier than the whole flora. The proportions of myrmecochorous seeds having a size range between 1 and 3 mm, and a weight range between 0.6 and 10 mg are higher than in the rest of the flora (Chapter 5). <p><p> / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished