Abstract Detail

Reproductive biology

Best, Hannah L. [1], Krakos, Kyra N. [2].

The Reproductive Biology and Breeding System of Aquilegia canadensis.

Aquilegia canadensis is a native Missouri flower that was chosen for this study due to it being a model organism for studying breeding and reproductive systems of flowers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether A. canadensis experiences pollen limitation, inbreeding depression, or an inability to set a successful amount of seed. This was conducted at Shaw Nature Reserve. The following questions were addressed: 1) Is this species self-compatible? 2) Does A. canadensis naturally self? 3) Does geitonogamy occur naturally and result in lowered reproductive success? 4) Is this species experiencing pollen limitation? Hand pollination experiments (treatments: Cross, Geitonogamous, Self, and Control) and field observations, were used to address these questions. Stigmas and pollinators were collected from several populations so the type of pollen being carried could be identified and counted off the pollinators. Stigmas were examined under a fluorescent scope to determine the amount and type of pollen present. The results show that A. canadensis is self compatible (p=. 69), and is not experiencing pollen limitation. Results indicate that hand pollinations were not as successful as natural pollination (p=. 00000004), which suggests that the system is tightly coupled to its pollinator. Should the pollination system become disrupted, the plant would experience immediate seed set loss. These kinds of relationships are important to understand in making conservation decisions.

1 - Maryville University, Biology, 1 Elannchester Dr., Manchester, MO, 63011, USA
2 - Maryville University, Biology, 650 Maryville Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63141, USA

Keywords:
Aquilegia
A. canadensis
breeding system
reproductive biology
native species.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRP004
Abstract ID:623
Candidate for Awards:None