| Abstract Detail
Pollination Biology Hulsey, Ryan C. [1], Krakos , Kyra Neipp [2], Hoeft , Adam Patrick [3]. Reproductive ecology of a rare western prairie species - Oenothera coloradoensis. This study is focused on the reproductive ecology of a rare prairie species of Oenothera found in high altitude prairies in Colorado and Wyoming. We asked the following questions: 1) What is the breeding system of O. coloradoensis? 2) Who are the main pollinators of this prairie species? 3) Is O. coloradoensis experiencing pollen limitation? 4) Do the reproductive traits of O. coloradoensis conform to convergent evolution patterns seen in section Gaura of Onagraceae? Exclusion experiments and determinations of pollination success using fluorescent microscopy revealed the system to be self-compatible. Pollinator observations where visitors were collected, pollen load was determined, and visitation rate calculated showed that noctuid moths were the only functional group responsible for pollen flow. No significant difference (p=0.68) was found between natural versus supplemental hand pollination tests, indicating pollen limitation is not being experienced by this species. Reproductive traits indicate convergent evolution between another species of Oenothera sect. Gaura in functional groups of pollinators, floral measurements, and habitat.
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1 - Maryville University, College of Arts and Sciences, 650 Maryville University Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141, St. Louis, MO, 63141, USA
2 - Maryville University, Biology, 650 Maryville University, St Louis, MO, 63141, USA
3 - Maryville University, College of Arts and Sciences, 650 Maryville University Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141, St. Louis, MO, 63141, United States
Keywords:
Oenothera
pollinators
Gaura
Breeding System
pollen limitation
convergent evolution.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 32
Location: Firs South/Boise Centre
Date: Wednesday, July 30th, 2014
Time: 9:00 AM
Number: 32005
Abstract ID:495
Candidate for Awards:None |
