Abstract

We compared the effects of two mechanisms of fruit processing (defecation versus regurgitation) on seed germination and establishment in a mistletoe-bird system (Tristerix aphyllus - Mimus thenca). Despite regurgitation being more frequently observed than defecation, radicle of defecated seeds grew longer than that of regurgitated ones. In this fruit-seed disperser interaction, we demonstrate the importance of different mechanisms of fruit processing for cactus infection efficiency by the mistletoe.