Insect visitation and pollination of a culturally significant plant, Hopi tobacco (Nicotiana rustica).

Abstract

Nicotiana rustica is a monecious member of the Solanaceae family, distributed across North America where it is grown for ceremonial purposes. Flowers of N.rustica open in the morning and are receptive to pollen until the following day. This study investigates the role of diurnal and nocturnal pollinators in reproductive success (seed weight, seed set, seediness) and insect visitation rate in N.rustica in eastern North America using floral bagging techniques. Results show that N.rustica benefits most from open (open day and night) and day open (closed at night) pollination. Fruit weight was higher with the presence of diurnal pollinators; fruit set and seediness were unaffected. Video recordings show that the most abundant floral visitors are small bees. These results provide information that will be useful in making management decisions surrounding the continued growth of this culturally significant plant species.