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Abstract Detail



Pollination Biology

Zweck, Justin [1], Arduser, Mike [2], Bernhardt, Peter [3].

No Evidence for Plant-Pollinator Mismatch in White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida (Fabaceae)): Implications for Climate Change.

Climate change is known to disrupt ecological interactions. Specifically, it alters life histories, decoupling interactions between two or more species. For example, when insect and flowering periods fail to overlap, plants may lose valuable pollinators. This leads to pollen limitation and reduced reproductive success in wildflowers. We compared the pollination biology of Dalea candida (Fabaceae) between 2012 and 2013 at the Shaw Nature Reserve, MO, where the flowering period occurred nearly one month earlier in 2012 (peak ~ mid-June) than in 2013 (peak ~ mid-July). We found a 50% overlap among all pollinating insects. In both years Dalea candida was pollinated primarily by bumblebees (Bombus griseocollis), sweat bees (Augochlorella spp., Lasiglossum spp.) and wasps (Myzinum sp., Tachytes sp.). We did not find evidence for pollen limitation in either year as flowers averaged 14.4 and 12.8 grains deposited on their receptive pistil tips (stigmas) in 2012 and 2013 respectively. There were no significant differences in pollen deposition or pollen tube growth between years (p >0.05). While pollination in Dalea candida did not appear to be strongly affected by the change in flowering time during our study, other components of fitness (such as seed set and herbivory) will require further examination.


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1 - Saint Louis University, Biology, 3507 Laclede Ave Macelwane Hall RM 128, St. Louis, MO, 63103, USA
2 - Missouri Department of Conservation (Retired), 2630 Hwy D, St. Charles, MO, 63304, USA
3 - Saint Louis University, Department Of Biology, 3507 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63103, USA

Keywords:
Pollinator Mismatch
Climate change
pollination
Fabaceae.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Eyrie/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPL004
Abstract ID:310
Candidate for Awards:None


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