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Sidalcea
oregana var. calva
Ms. Tara Goldsmith's thesis, completed
in 2003, examined potential threats to the persistence
and population growth of Sidalcea oregana var.
calva, the Wenatchee Mountain checker-mallow.
Ms.
Goldsmith studied: 1) which insects pollinate the taxon,
and how hand pollination compares to insect pollination
in terms of fruit/seed set; 2) pre-dispersal seed-eating
weevils, their impact, and the extent of their infestation;
and 3) the effect prescribed fire has on SIORCA individuals
and surrounding vegetation composition.
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Sidalcea
oregana var. calva
Ms.
Goldsmith found considerable seed predation and a specialized
pollinator. She recommends that management consider occasional
reduction of the predator load.
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Research