Abstract Detail

Pollination Biology

Harris, Zackary Ryan [1], Husband, Brian [2].

Components of Pollen Limitation in Relation to Reproductive Success in Small Populations of Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii).

Reduced population size in fragmented habitats can limit fecundity due to inadequate pollination; however, the magnitude of pollen limitation in wind-pollinated species and the contributions of pollen quality versus quantity are poorly known. Here I investigated limits to reproduction in fragmented populations of Andropogon gerardii by quantifying seed production and its relation to pollen quantity and quality. The number of seeds per floret declined significantly with both population size and local density. Contrary to prediction, density and population were not related to pollen load. The percentage of compatible pollen and the percentage of florets with more than one pollen tube reaching the base of the style increased with population size, likely due to increased mate compatibility. However, measures of pollen quality were weak predictors of seed set. In conclusion, fragmentation affects reproduction in this wind pollinated species through reductions in population size and plant density, which primarily influence the compatibility of pollen rather than the quantity.

1 - University of Guelph, Integrative Biology, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
2 - University Of Guelph, Department Of Integrative Biology, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 8
Location: Salon 6/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: 8002
Abstract ID:1331
Candidate for Awards:None