Seed dispersal in plants takes on countless forms, yet most dispersal mechanisms fall within the categories of gravity, wind, water, and animal dispersal. Let’s dive into these mechanisms in more detail. Next time you’re out walking, see if you can spot them in action.

Wind

The common dandelion is perhaps the most iconic, and well-known species to use wind dispersal. The windsail-like structure, called the pappus, opens and closes in response to moisture. On dry, windy days the pappus opens, catches the wind, and transports lightweight dandelion seeds far away from the parent plant.

Other plants use winged structures (like the propellor-shaped maple samara) or wooly structures (like fuzzy cottonwood seeds) to facilitate wind-dispersal.

Gravity

Gravity dispersal, also known as “shattering” or “fruit drop” is the dispersal of a seed by falling. As the fruit reaches maturity, a natural process called abscission weakens supporting structures like stems and seed pods. This is what causes a ripe apple to fall from the tree. Abscission also causes fruit-containing structures to open and drop their seed on the ground.

A related dispersal method, called ballistic dispersal, uses forces generated by the plant itself, like mechanical tension or water pressure, to disperse seed. At maturity, the seed-containing structures act like a cannon or catapult, launching the seed far away from the parent plant.

Water

Except for some aquatic plants, such as Mangroves, water dispersal rarely acts in isolation. For example, coconuts often use water for long-distance transport by floating through the ocean, but gravity dispersal is what first releases the coconut from the tree.

Wind-dispersed seed can also travel longer distances by landing in moving water. Some wind-dispersed species, like the cottonwood tree, produce moisture-sensitive seeds that must land in or near water for proper germination.

Animal

Animal dispersal occurs in two ways:

The seed is eaten and travels intact through the digestive tract. The animal then defecates or regurgitates the seed —hopefully, far from the parent plant. Edible fruits, like black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) have seeds that cannot be removed before eating (like raspberries). Their flavor, color, or aroma that attracts certain mammals and birds, which aid in seed dispersal.

Seeds are also dispersed by clinging to the hair, skin, fur, or feathers of various animals. For example, the hooked appendages of common burdock allow the entire seed head to be carried away by passing animals—a feature which served as the inspiration for velcro!

Human dispersal is responsible for the introduction of most invasive species. Humans migrating between continents intentionally carried their favorite ornamental and edible plants, some of which became invasive species in the new locations. Some seeds are unintentionally transported in grain shipments. Other seeds get stuck via soil to boots, tires, tools, and heavy equipment used in recreation – like hiking, or jobs like construction, excavation, and agriculture.

Awareness of seed dispersal mechanisms is the best way to prevent the spread or introduction of new invasive species. Based on this knowledge, phytosanitary laws have been enacted to prevent the transport of soil across borders. They also regulate seed contaminants in grain shipments, among other things.

However, not all spread can be prevented, and established plants can be difficult to remove. There are accumulated and dormant seeds that are in soil – referred to as the “soil seed bank.” Over time, this soil seed bank can be exhausted by spraying, removing, or bagging the plants before they disperse seed. Knowledge of dispersal methods can help scientists to develop more effective control options for invasive plants.

Answered by David Tork, University of Minnesota

This blog is part of Crop Science Society of America’s Seed Week celebration. Why celebrate seeds? Anyone who plants a seed is investing in hope. That’s one of the attractions of seeds. For the gardener, it could be hope for a beautiful flower, or perhaps a delicious zucchini squash. For our farmers, seeds are the hope of this year’s yields of produce, cash crops or forage. No matter the size or shape of the seed, they all can bring forth new life. At Crop Science Society of America, we hold seeds in very high regard. Please visit our Seed Week webpage for news stories, blogs and more information about seed research and facts.

About us: This blog is sponsored and written by members of the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America. Our members are researchers and trained, certified, professionals in the areas of growing our world’s food supply while protecting our environment. We work at universities, government research facilities, and private businesses across the United States and the world.