| Abstract Detail
Reproductive Processes Christopher, Dorothy [1], Karron, Jeffrey [2], Trapnell, Dorset [3], Mitchell, Randall [4]. Edge effects and mating patterns in a bumblebee-pollinated plant. Researchers have long assumed that plant spatial location influences plant reproductive success and pollinator foraging behavior. For example, many flowering plant populations have small, linear, or irregular shapes that increase the proportion of plants on the edge, which may reduce mating opportunities through both male and female function. Additionally, plants that rely on pollinators may be particularly vulnerable to edge effects if those pollinators exhibit restricted foraging and pollen carryover is limited. To explore the effects of spatial location (edge vs. interior) on siring success, seed production, pollinator foraging patterns and pollen-mediated gene dispersal, we established a square experimental array of 49 Mimulus ringens (monkeyflower) plants. We observed foraging patterns of pollinating bumblebees and used paternity analysis to quantify male and female reproductive success and mate diversity for plants on the edge versus interior. We found no significant differences between edge and interior plants in the number of seeds sired, mothered or the number of sires per fruit. However, we found strong differences in pollinator behavior based on plant location, including 15 % lower per flower visitation rates and substantially longer interplant moves for edge plants. This translated into 40 % greater pollen-mediated gene dispersal for edge than for interior plants. Overall, our results suggest that edge effects are not as strong as is commonly assumed, and that different plant reproduction parameters respond to spatial location independently.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - University Of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Dept Of Biological Sciences, 3209 N Maryland Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, United States
2 - University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department Of Biological Sciences, Po Box 413, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, United States
3 - University Of Georgia, Plant Biology, 2502 Miller Plant Sci Bldg, Athens, GA, 30602, United States
4 - University Of Akron, Department Of Biology, Dept Of Biology, Akron, OH, 44325, United States
Keywords:
mating system
floral display
selfing rate
geitonogamy
Mimulus
pollinator visitation.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: RP2, Reproductive Processes 2
Location: /
Date: Thursday, July 22nd, 2021
Time: 2:15 PM(EDT)
Number: RP2008
Abstract ID:54
Candidate for Awards:None |
