Preliminary Observations on Fruit Ripening, Predation and Seed Dispersal in the Wild Momordica Species

The present paper presents observations on fruit ripening and dispersal, predation and seed dispersal in the wild Momordica species. Fruit morphology of the genus Momordica L. is highly adapted for bird dispersal. Association of specific species of birds in seed dispersal and ant predation in seed germination was observed. An understanding of the biotic agents involved in the perpetuation of biological processes is a prerequisite for devising a holistic conservation strategy for the wild Momordica genepool.