A New Sticky Trap for Monitoring Seed Rain in Grasslands

Abstract

The use of an inexpensive, commercially available device as a sticky trap for capturing dispersing seeds in the field is described. Trap performance in capturing seeds under various conditions is evaluated. The traps perform well in capturing small, lightweight seeds, particularly those with awns or ornamentation, as would be typical of many grassland plant species. The adhesive surface of the traps retains its effectiveness when moist, and in the hot, dusty conditions of the field. However, the traps have poor rates of capture for certain seed types, and for seeds dropped from considerable heights. These limitations of performance, which are probably shared with other types of sticky traps for seeds, must be considered when sticky traps are used to evaluate seed rain.