Abstract
Ginger (Zingiber spectabile) is cultivated worldwide as a floriculture and landscaping species. Studies on the biology and floral morphology of this species are important for its improvement; however, they are scarce. We investigated the reproductive biology and floral morphology of gingers grown in a germplasm bank. Floral development was monitored during the pre-anthesis and anthesis periods. Floral morphometry, pollen viability, stigmatic receptivity, volume and concentration of nectar sugar, and performance of possible pollinators were evaluated. Ginger flowers had a 24-h durability. Ginger torch is an allogamous species that exhibits floral hercogamy like other Zingiberaceae. Ginger flowers had a 12-h anthesis. During anthesis, floral structures related to reproduction such as the style, stigma, and anther crest continued to develop, increasing floral herkogamy. Pollen viability was above 70% and the stigma remained receptive throughout the anthesis period. Hummingbirds were the only pollinators recorded in the study area that were able to move the anther crest. Fruiting was determined in a natural pollination system. The occurrence of nocturnal anthesis characterized by an increase in the development of reproductive structures and nectar production suggests that the species is adapted to nocturnal visitors.
Highlights
Zingiber Boehm. is a large genus of the Zingiberaceae family comprising approximately 80–150 species (Wu & Larsen, 2000). Sabu & Skinner (2004) described approximately 25 Zingiber spp. of medicinal, aromatic, gustatory, and ornamental importance
The floral morphology of Zingiberaceae is considered innovative, consisting of specialized structures such as the anther crest, which is equipped with an appendix that extends from the top of the anther; this crest is considered to be extremely rare compared to those of other angiosperm flowers (Fan & Li, 2016)
The reproductive apparatus of Zingiberaceae evolved from the plant-pollinator interaction, with a significant correlation being observed between floral morphology and pollination guilds
Summary
Zingiber Boehm. is a large genus of the Zingiberaceae family comprising approximately 80–150 species (Wu & Larsen, 2000). Sabu & Skinner (2004) described approximately 25 Zingiber spp. of medicinal, aromatic, gustatory, and ornamental importance. Is a large genus of the Zingiberaceae family comprising approximately 80–150 species (Wu & Larsen, 2000). Sabu & Skinner (2004) described approximately 25 Zingiber spp. of medicinal, aromatic, gustatory, and ornamental importance. The floral morphology of Zingiberaceae is considered innovative, consisting of specialized structures such as the anther crest, which is equipped with an appendix that extends from the top of the anther; this crest is considered to be extremely rare compared to those of other angiosperm flowers (Fan & Li, 2016). The floral visitors and pollinators that have been reported for species of this family are small bees of the genus Amegilla, hummingbirds, and spiderhunters (Nectariniidae) (Sakai et al, 2013). Viçosa, v. 68, n.2, p. 096-104, mar/apr, 2021
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