Acorn Crop, Seed Size and Chemical Defenses Determine the Performance of Specialized Insect Predators and Reproductive Output in a Mediterranean Oak

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Seed predation is an antagonistic interaction that can limit plant population dynamics. We investigated the interaction between Quercus faginea and two specialized pre-dispersal insect seed predators (weevils and moths) during two years of contrasting crop size to determine the consequences of oak reproductive investment on seed production and insect performance. Crop and acorn size were lower during the second year, although seed predation rates by insects were similar during both crop years. Oaks producing more acorns reduced seed predation by insects during the large crop year and thus improved their reproductive success, and those producing bigger acorns experienced higher levels of seed predation, and more insect larvae developed inside the available acorns during the low crop year. Inter- and intra-specific insect competition increased during the low crop year and were affected by tannin content in acorns. Despite substantial between-year variations in crop and acorn size, insect performance was similar due to larvae being able to finish their development by depleting acorn reserves when resources were low. Crop size, acorn size and chemical composition seem important traits for reducing seed predation by specialized insects and improve reproductive success in this Mediterranean oak species. ABSTRACT: Seed predation is an antagonistic interaction that negatively affects the performance of individual plants and can limit plant population dynamics. In animal-dispersed plants, crop size is an important determinant of plant reproductive success through its effect on seed dispersers and predators. Seed traits, such as size or chemical composition, can also increase the tolerance to seed predators or reduce their performance. We investigated the interaction between Quercus faginea and two specialized pre-dispersal insect seed predators (weevils and moths) during two years of contrasting crop size to determine the consequences of oak reproductive investment on seed production and insect performance. Crop size was 44% lower and acorns were 32% smaller in the second year, although acorn predation by insects was proportionally similar between both years at the population level. Individual trees producing larger crops showed a lower incidence of insect predators during the year of abundant acorn production, whereas trees producing bigger acorns experienced higher seed predation rates by insects, and acorns held more insect larvae in the low crop year. Competition between insects increased when acorn production was low, and higher tannin content in acorns further constrained the number of weevil larvae developing together in the same acorn. However, the abundance and size of insect larvae produced per tree were similar between the two crop years, and this was due to larvae often depleting acorn reserves when resources were low. Oak reproductive output increased nearly two-fold during the large crop year. Crop size variation, acorn production in a given year and acorn size and chemical composition seem to be important traits for reducing damage by insect predators in Quercus faginea and improve oak reproductive success.