Petal herbivory by chrysomelid beetles (Phyllotreta sp.) is detrimental to pollination and seed production in Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae)

Abstract

Abstract 1. Insect herbivory directed at flowers can decrease fruit and seed production by decreasing the attractiveness of a damaged flower to potential pollinators, by disrupting the transfer of pollen between pollinators and stigmas, or both.2. Effects of petal herbivory by a chrysomelid beetle (Phyllotreta sp.) on pollination and seed production in Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae) were examined.3. Under natural conditions, flowers with a hole chewed in a petal produced fruit and seed at a significantly lower rate than undamaged flowers (44% vs. 80% respectively). However, when damaged and undamaged flowers were hand pollinated, there was no significant difference in fruit or seed set (84% vs. 80% respectively).4. Petal herbivory in L. papilliferum disrupts the effectiveness of insect‐mediated pollination, but it does not physically inhibit pollination or seed production.