Researchers examine ducks' effect on seeds

By Shelby Ruud

Studying ducks could help restore Utah’s wetlands, according to researchers at Utah State University.

A study conducted by students and faculty members from the USU Department of Watershed Sciences that ran from November to January showed that when seeds are digested by ducks, they have a higher chance of germinating.

“We already knew that waterfowl are important dispersers of seeds for aquatic plants,” said Bret Mossman, a student who worked on the study. “What we wanted to see here is whether digested seeds are more likely to germinate or not.”

Specifically, the study was focused on the seeds of bulrush.

“Bulrush is an important plant for wetland areas because it provides food and nesting for migratory birds,” said Rebekah Downard, a student in the Department of Watershed Sciences. “It can also be used to restore the areas that have been cleared of invasive plant species, such as phragmites.”

The researchers found that 39.4 percent of ingested seeds germinated, compared to only one percent of control seeds.

“This shows that the seeds are more likely to grow once they’ve been digested by ducks,” Mossman said.

Now the researchers are attempting to mimic the conditions a digested seed experiences.

“If we can isolate and figure out exactly what causes the seeds to germinate, then we will have the means to produce a large number of bulrush seedlings,” Mossman said.

If these studies go well, Mossman said that seed testing in the field may begin within the next year.

“If we get significant results on these next studies, then it’s possible to really make an impact in restoring wetlands,” Mossman said.