Abstract

The effects of temperature on pollen germination and pollen tube growth rate were measured in vitro in thermogenic skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus renifolius Schott ex Tzvelev, and related to floral temperatures in the field. This species has physiologically thermoregulatory spadices that maintain temperatures near 23 degrees C, even in sub-freezing air. Tests at 8, 13, 18, 23, 28 and 33 degrees C showed sharp optima at 23 degrees C for both variables, and practically no development at 8 degrees C. Thermogenesis is therefore a requirement for fertilization in early spring. The narrow temperature tolerance is probably related to a long period of evolution in flowers that thermoregulate within a narrow range.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.