Unable to connect to database - 05:51:50 Unable to connect to database - 05:51:50 SQL Statement is null or not a SELECT - 05:51:50 SQL Statement is null or not a DELETE - 05:51:50 Botany & Mycology 2009 - Abstract Search
Unable to connect to database - 05:51:50 Unable to connect to database - 05:51:50 SQL Statement is null or not a SELECT - 05:51:50

Abstract Detail


Pollination Biology

Edge, Andrea A. [1], Van Nest, Byron N. [1], Johnson, Jennifer N. [1], Moore, Darrell [1].

Pollination biology of Campsis radicans (Bignoniaceae).

While classifying plants into pollination syndromes can be useful to describe potential pollinators, growing research suggests that plant-pollinator interactions are much more intricate than these broad syndromes imply. For example, flowers of Campsis radicans are described as possessing the classical bird-pollination syndrome and are thought to be pollinated primarily by the ruby-throated hummingbird. However, we have observed that many insects (including honey bees, bumble bees, sweat bees, and flies) are frequent visitors. A deeper understanding of floral physiology and morphology, including changes that may occur with time of day or with age, may provide insights into the dynamics of plant-pollinator interactions. The primary goals of this study are to determine the major pollinators for Campsis, assess their relative importance to reproductive success of the plant, and ascertain the morphological and physiological factors that influence pollinator visits. We measured nectar secretion and concentration patterns of unopened and open trumpet creeper flowers with respect to time of day and age. Our findings thus far show that closed Campsis flowers do not produce a significant amount of nectar and sugar until they are 40-50mm in length. Open flowers produce large amounts of dilute nectar (typical of bird-pollinated flowers), in which both volume and concentration show no significant changes with time of day (or night) or with age. Our current studies are designed to determine (1) if nectar production changes as volumes are removed by pollinators and if the degree of change varies with time of day or age, (2) the identity and temporal visitation patterns of all potential visitors, (3) patterns of pollen movement within a population, and (4) relative pollination efficiency of different classes of visitors to the flowers.


Log in to add this item to your schedule

1 - East Tennessee State University, Department of Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 70703, Johnson City, TN, 37614, United States

Keywords:
bird pollination
pollination syndromes
pollen dispersal
nectar secretion
Campsis radicans.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 23
Location: Wasatch A/Cliff Lodge - Level C
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2009
Time: 2:15 PM
Number: 23004
Abstract ID:167