Reproductive biology of Stomatium bolusiae (Aizoaceae: Ruschioideae)

Bothalia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Zietsman
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Pollination System ◽  
Cross Pollination ◽  
Floral Rewards ◽  
Pollination Mechanisms ◽  
Hermaphroditic Flower ◽  
Gain Access

Flowers of Stomatium bolusiae are self-incompatible. The species exhibits crepuscular and nocturnal anthesis, exploiting two different pollination mechanisms. The structure of the hermaphroditic flower appears not to favour cross-pollination. The stigmata are never exposed to pollinating agents, which gain access to the floral rewards by forcing their way between the anthers. Clogging of the stigmatic surfaces by self-pollen is common. Nocturnal anthesis, concomitant with the nocturnal release of attractants and the offering of rewards, indicates that this species is primarily phalaenophilous and secondarily melittophilous, exhibiting a bimodal pollination system.

Pollination ecology of Monstera obliqua (Araceae) in French Guiana

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 607-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Chouteau ◽  
Melanie McClure ◽  
Marc Gibernau
Keyword(s):  
French Guiana ◽  
Pollination Ecology ◽  
Lower Portion ◽  
Floral Rewards ◽  
Pollination Mechanisms ◽  
Unisexual Flowers ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Female Flowers

Data on pollination ecology of Araceae are still scarce and most concern species belonging to the subfamily Aroideae (García-Robledo et al. 2004, Gibernau 2003, Ivancic et al. 2004, 2005; Maia & Schlindwein 2006). In this subfamily, inflorescences consist of unisexual flowers: female flowers are located in the lower portion and the male flowers are in the upper portion of the inflorescence (Mayo et al. 1997). In the documented neotropical Aroideae, pollinators are nocturnal beetles and pollination mechanisms take place within a floral chamber during a short flowering cycle (generally 24–48 h) with floral rewards (sterile flowers rich in proteins and/or lipids) for the beetle pollinators, the secretion of resin to secure pollen on the pollinator, and the production of heat and odours (Chouteau et al. 2007, García-Robledo et al. 2004, Gibernau & Barabé 2002, Gibernau et al. 1999, 2000, 2003; Maia & Schlindwein 2006, Young 1986).

Generalised pollination of Diuris alba (Orchidaceae) by small bees and wasps

2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 628 ◽  
Author(s):  
James O. Indsto ◽  
Peter H. Weston ◽  
Mark A. Clements ◽  
Adrian G. Dyer ◽  
Michael Batley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Pollination System ◽  
Flower Visitors ◽  
Ancestral Condition ◽  
Floral Rewards ◽  
South Wales

Most Diuris species possess flowers of pea-like form and colour, and occur in association with flowering peas of the tribe Mirbeliae. Previous studies of the pollination of Diuris maculata sensu lato have found evidence for guild mimicry of pea flowers. The flowers of Diuris alba are also pea-like in form but not in colour, and this species is frequently found in habitats where peas are uncommon or absent. We investigated the pollination of Diuris alba, which we expected may have a distinct pollination system at Lake Munmorah, New South Wales. Many Diuris species lack floral rewards, but D. alba produced a small amount of nectar. Flower visitors, and hence putative pollinators, were mainly female Exoneura bees, but also the wasps Eurys pulcher and a Paralastor species. Reproductive success of D. alba, both in woodland containing abundant Dillwynia retorta and in heathland where this pea was absent, was higher than in the previously studied D. maculata s.l. We suggest that the pollination of D. alba is more generalised than that found in the legume guild mimic D. maculata s.l. Although its flowers may display structural similarity to pea flowers, other characteristics suggest that its pollination system has diverged from a presumed pea-mimicry ancestral condition.

scholarly journals Reproductive biology of three medicinal plants

1970 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-78
Author(s):  
Shamim Ara Liza ◽  
Md. Oliur Rahman ◽  
Md. Zashim Uddin ◽  
Md. Abul Hassan ◽  
Momtaz Begum
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Flower Morphology ◽  
Asclepias Curassavica ◽  
Scoparia Dulcis ◽  
Pollination Mechanisms ◽  
Plant Taxon ◽  
Clerodendrum Viscosum

This paper presents the flower morphology, pollination mechanisms and seed germination of three indigenous medicinal plants of Bangladesh namely, Asclepias curassavica L., Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. and Scoparia dulcis L. The minimum days taken for seed germination in Asclepias curassavica, Clerodendrum viscosum and Scoparia dulcis are 6, 14 and 9, respectively. Epigeal type of seed germination has been noted in Asclepias curassavica and Scoparia dulcis, whereas hypogeal type of seed germination has been found in Clerodendrum viscosum. Fruit production is highest in Scoparia dulcis among the species studied and a maximum of 304 seeds are produced per fruit in it. Maximum 108 seeds are produced per fruit in Asclepias curassavica. Among the species investigated Asclepias curassavica and Clerodendrum viscosum are cross-pollinated, and Scoparia dulcis is self-pollinated. Butterflies, bees and ants are noted to be the pollinators in Asclepias curassavica and in Clerodendrum viscosum black ants, butterflies and long tongue hawk moths are the pollinators.Keywords: Taxonomy; pollination; seed germination; Asclepias curassavica L.; Clerodendrum viscosum Vent.; Scoparia dulcis L.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i1.5391Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(1): 69-78, 2010 (June)

Evidence of reward production and pollination by Centris in Encyclia (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae): the reproductive biology of Encyclia mapuerae

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 225 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. Krahl ◽  
D. R. P. Krahl ◽  
J. J. Valsko ◽  
A. C. Webber ◽  
E. R. Pansarin
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Floral Reward ◽  
Pollination Mechanisms ◽  
Central Amazonia ◽  
Conclusive Data ◽  
South Brazil

Encyclia is a neotropical orchid genus distributed from Florida to South Brazil and comprises ~120 taxa, including Encyclia mapuerae (Huber) Brade & Pabst. Besides its diversity and wide distribution, conclusive data on pollinators and reproductive biology of this orchid genus is scarce. Furthermore, nothing is known about the production of floral reward in Encyclia but the pollinators of their species are assumed to be attracted through food deception. Based on data on phenology, floral morpho-anatomy, histochemistry, pollinators, pollination mechanisms, and breeding system, the reproductive biology of E. mapuerae was studied in a nature reserve at Central Amazonia, Brazil. The flowers of E. mapuerae show longitudinal lines on the labellum that act as a nectar guide. The secretory epidermis has papillae whose cells are covered by an ornamented cuticle. The subtended tissue is composed of a tree-layered collenchyma. The flowers attract several species of Hymenoptera. However, a single species of Centris was recorded as pollinator. The bees collect the nectar produced inside the cuniculus. When the bees leave the flower the pollinarium is attached to their heads. Encyclia mapuerae is self-compatible and pollinator-dependent. The reproductive success in natural conditions is low because of deficient pollen transference due to the scarcity of pollinators. As far we know this is the first study that reports and production of floral reward in Encyclia. This discovery provides new insights on the function of the cuniculus in Laeliinae, and sheds light on the evolution of floral rewards and pollination mechanisms within this diverse group of Neotropical orchids.

Understanding the reproductive biology of Terminalia ferdinandiana for improved fruit yields

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (8) ◽  
pp. 630
Author(s):  
Julian Gorman ◽  
Hanna Markones ◽  
Michael John Lawes
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Food Plant ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Important Food ◽  
Cross Pollination ◽  
Kakadu Plum ◽  
Terminalia Ferdinandiana

Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell., also known as the Kakadu plum, is an important food plant endemic to northern Australia. The fruit has substantial commercial demand as it contains sought-after antioxidants and the greatest concentration of ascorbic acid of any fruit known worldwide. Better knowledge of its reproductive biology is required to increase fruit production from wild stands and sustain commercial demand. Experiments demonstrate that T. ferdinandiana is andromonoecious and self-incompatible, relying on cross-pollination for successful fruit production. Wild stocks of this species are pollen limited, likely caused by pollinator satiation in dense, synchronously flowering stands. These findings indicate that enhanced fruit production requires supplementation of suitable pollinators in wild stands.

Pollination Mechanisms of Ebenus cretica

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 483f-484
Author(s):  
M.E. Lydaki ◽  
J.C. Vlahos
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Female Parent ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Cross Pollination ◽  
Foreign Pollen ◽  
Self Pollination ◽  
Pollination Mechanisms ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
Breeding Techniques ◽  
Color Variants

Ebenus cretica L., is an endemic plant of Crete with potential as a cut flower or flowering potted plant. It is a herbaceous perennial evergreen subshrub that flowers from April to June. It forms numerous thick racemes with an average of 50 pink or purple flowers 10 to 12 mm long. A great variability in major morphological characteristics exists among the populations of E. cretica on the island; however, color variants are very rare. Selection and breeding is a necessary prerequisite before the plant is marketable; therefore, research conducted at the TEI of Heraklion since 1994 has focused on artificial self- and cross-pollination of pink-flowered ebenus plants. It has been concluded that the zygomorphic flowers of E. cretica are pollinated by insects (bumblebees); the tripping mechanism occurs and seeds are formed by either cross- or self-pollination. For self-pollination, unripe flower racemes were enveloped in paper bags and shaken by hand or wind to release pollen; however, this method gave poor results. Best results were obtained by tripping the flowers while avoiding the introduction of foreign pollen. Self-incopatibility was not observed. Cross-pollination was achieved by emasculating flowers on the female parent, 2 to 4 days prior to the dehiscence of the anthers. The corolla is half-white and half-pink at this stage, turning to a uniform pink when the pollen is ripe. The stigma appears to be fully receptive at least 2 days before the dehiscence of the anthers. Each fertilized ovule gives one mature seed ≈3 weeks after pollination. This research indicates that breeding techniques can be applied without difficulty to E. cretica in order to develop uniform plant material and new varieties/hybrids with desirable characteristic.

Nectary and elaiophore work together in flowers of Xylopia aromatica (Annonaceae): structure indicates a role in pollination

Botany ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-42
Author(s):  
Elder Antônio Sousa Paiva ◽  
Natália Arias Galastri ◽  
Denise Maria Trombert Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
The Body ◽  
Secretory Process ◽  
Secretory Structures ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies ◽  
Floral Nectary ◽  
Floral Rewards ◽  
Channel Surface ◽  
Glandular Structures ◽  
Highly Correlated

Secretory structures that produce floral rewards have rarely been reported for Annonaceae. We identified a glandular region in Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart., which consisted of a nectary and an elaiophore. This study aimed to describe the structure and secretory process of these glandular structures, which are highly correlated with the reproductive biology of this species. Anatomical and ultrastructural studies were performed prior to and during anthesis, focusing on the channel and pollination chamber. The floral nectary is placed in the roof of the chamber. It has a secretory epidermis and subglandular parenchyma and is immediately contiguous with the elaiophore, a portion that delimits the pollination channel and produces lipids. The release of nectar begins in the pistillate phase, while the elaiophore starts secreting prior to anthesis, both of which finishing during the staminate phase. Lipids form a sticky layer covering the channel surface, which provides access to the chamber. The cell machinery of the epidermis for both nectary and elaiophore is highly correlated with the exudates, despite their highly similar structure. Nectar attracts pollinators to the pollination chamber, whereas lipids seem to act in pollen adhesion to the body of pollinators. Both of exudates appear to act in complementary ways during pollination.

scholarly journals Reproductive biology of Davilla kunthii A. St-Hil. (Dilleniaceae) in Central Amazonia

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 487-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Rodrigo Rech ◽  
Fatima Cristina de Lazari Manente-Balestieri ◽  
Maria Lúcia Absy
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Breeding System ◽  
Relative Frequency ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Pollination System ◽  
Seed Predators ◽  
Central Amazonia ◽  
Floral Visitors ◽  
Behavioural Aspects ◽  
Destructive Potential

This survey aimed at describing the interactions of floral visitors and Davilla kunthii A. St.-Hil. as well as characteristics of its reproductive biology in Itacoatiara, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Tests of the breeding system were performed. The guild of visitors was described according to richness, abundance, relative frequency and constancy. The breeding system tests indicated that D. kunthii is self-compatible. The pollination system was characterized as generalist, with 39 visitor species, from three different orders. Bees were the main group of pollinators, thus some behavioural aspects were described. Th e period of highest foraging activity was between 7 and 10 am. Some species presented agonistic and monopolistic behaviour. Given the behaviour and destructive potential, the Curculionidae seem to have a greater impact as seed predators than pollinators.

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