Kelly et al. (2000): Predator satiation and extreme mast seeding in 11 species of Chionochloa (Poaceae).

Kelly, D; Harrison, A.L.; Lee, W.G.; Payton, I.J.; Wilson, P.R. & Schauber, E.M. 2000. Predator satiation and extreme mast seeding in 11 species of Chionochloa (Poaceae). Oikos 90: 477-488.

This paper presents 16 long datasets on mast seeding in 11 Chionochloa species from Nelson Lakes to Takahe Valley and shows that there is high synchrony within and among species, driven by a common climate cue (warm temperatures in January-February the year before). Chionochloa crassiuscula from Takahe Valley (CV=3.02) is the most variable masting dataset worldwide and NZ species (including Nothofagus) make up 8 of the global top 20. Seed predation data from Takahe Valley suggest that the extreme masting arises because a cecidomyiid seed predator is exceptionally hard to satiate.