Observations on the role of birds in the dispersion of Phthirusa pyrifolia hemi-parasite plant of Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu) in loreto-Peru

Phthirusa pyrifolia (suelda con suelda), a very common hemi-parasitic species of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), was always considered an object of dispersal by birds. Given the limited information on the subject, this study was developed in a flood-prone camu-camu experimental plot, on the banks of the Amazon River in the San Miguel-IIAP Experimental Center. Capture nets were installed between 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in areas with the greatest presence of birds, with inspections every 30 minutes. Once the captured birds were identified, feces were analyzed to determine the existence of seeds. 14 species were identified, of which only Myiozetetes similes (social flycatcher) had two Ph. pyrifolia seeds in the digestive tract. Regarding dispersion, our observations allow us to deduce that it is carried out by consume of the pulp or pericarp by birds without actually swallowing the seeds, which, attached to the branches of the camu-camu, continue their parasitic development.