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Abstract Detail



Pollination Biology

Hoeft, Adam [1], Krakos, Kyra [2].

A comparative study on the reproductive biology of two Missouri native Tradescantia spp. (Commelinaceae).

The genus Tradescantia contains some 71 different species, all possessing the ability to form hybrids. The occurrence of hybridization is assumed to be common and will occur whenever populations are in relative close proximity. Hybridization is enhanced by the self-incompatibility of most species in the genus and perennial nature of the plants. Because of this increased frequency of cross pollinations and the potential of numerous hybrids, the question of continuance of species status becomes an important concern. The purpose of our study focused on the reproductive biology of Tradescantia ohiensis. and Tradescantia subaspera var. montana, two native Missouri species that inhabit drastically distinct ecosystems. Specifically, we compared plant morphology and pollination systems of each species with previous studies to look for variation across species ranges over a seasonal breeding period. This study was conducted at a restored prairie habitat and upland woods in eastern Missouri during the months of May through July for 2012 and 2013. Timed pollinator observations were conducted throughout the flowering season, and both number and identification of floral visitors were recorded. A sample of stigmas from open flowers were collected during the same time to determine insect visitation rate to flowers. These samples were compared against pollen tube data from three other treatment methods that included cross pollination, self pollination, and pollen supplementation. Our results indicate that these species are utilizing partially overlapping pollination systems and are not experiencing pollen limitation. Both species are self-incompatible, which agrees with previous studies conducted. Observations show that bees of the family group Halicadae are the main pollinator group for both species, while T. ohiensis was also visited by secondary pollinator groups such as beetles, syrphid flies, Bombus spp., and Apis spp. The identification of halictid bees as the main pollinators does not agree with previous observations made for the genus 50 years earlier. While these two species share numerous overlapping characteristics, the identification of a natural hybrid has yet to be discovered at this study site. Further tests are being conducted to observe if cross pollination of these two species does in fact produce viable offspring.

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1 - Maryville University, Biology, 650 Maryville University Dr, St. Louis, Mo., 63141, USA
2 - Maryville University, Biology, 650 Maryville University, St Louis, MO, 63141, USA

Keywords:
hybridization
pollination
breeding system
MO natives.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPL008
Abstract ID:508
Candidate for Awards:None


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