Abstract
ABSTRACT Plant-pollinator interactions and their reproductive implications are of central importance to the organization of plant populations and communities in restoration areas. We studied the breeding system and flower visitors of Pleroma trichopodum, a pioneer species of the Atlantic Forest. We attempted to answer three questions: (1) Is P. trichopodum dependent on pollinators and mates for reproduction? (2) What are the pollinators of P. trichopodum? (3) Do tree flower-density and flowering-tree density of P. trichopodum enhance the visitation rate of focal trees and their flowers? We tested the breeding system through pollination treatments. We performed focal observations on 10 trees and analyzed the relationship between tree and flower visitation rates, and the tree flower-density and flowering-tree density with Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM). Pleroma trichopodum sets fruits by selfing and outcrossing, both of which occur only through pollinator visits. Bees visited P. trichopodum, and their visitation increased with tree flower-density. Thus, individuals with greater floral displays may function as magnet species, enhancing the pollination of nearby plant species. This characteristic, allied with the ability to reproduce without a mate (selfing) and a tolerance of soggy soils, make P. trichopodum a candidate for Atlantic Forest restoration.
Highlights
Plant-pollinator interactions and the reproductive outcome of such mutualisms are central to plant population and community organization (Ashman et al 2004)
The high values for the auto incompatibility index (ISI) suggest selfing for P. trichopodum, while the high values for reproductive efficacy suggest a high efficacy of natural pollination (Tab. 1)
Pleroma trichopodum is completely dependent on pollinators for reproduction, which are attracted by large floral displays
Summary
Plant-pollinator interactions and the reproductive outcome of such mutualisms are central to plant population and community organization (Ashman et al 2004). For this reason, these topics have been intensively studied in a variety of contexts (Ayasse & Arroyo 2011). In this way, studies that integrate plant species pollination and breeding systems are of paramount importance for revealing insights on the persistence of plants in different environments and the identification of species with conservation and restoration potential Studies that integrate plant species pollination and breeding systems are of paramount importance for revealing insights on the persistence of plants in different environments and the identification of species with conservation and restoration potential (e.g. Aguilar et al 2006; Neuschulz et al 2016)
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