Pollination of Peltogyne chrysopis: an endemic tree of the Atlantic Forest

Isys Mascarenhas Souza,Luciano Paganucci De Queiroz,Ligia Silveira Funch

doi:10.1590/0102-33062018abb0243

Isys Mascarenhas Souza, Luciano Paganucci De Queiroz + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-33062018abb0243

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Peltogyne chrysopis is an arboreal legume endemic to the Atlantic Forest and known only from the state of Bahia, Brazil. Focal observations were made of anthesis, pollen availability, stigma receptivity, nectar production, and the presence of osmophores and UV-reflective pigments for the species. Floral visitors were also observed and classified based on the timing and frequency of their visits and their foraging behavior. The breeding system was inferred from the pollen-ovule ratio and pollen tube growth after pollination treatments. Peltogyne chrysopis was found to be melittophilous, with anthesis occurring from 02h00min to 05h00min, and protogynous and xenogamous, with flower scent emission and pollen release before sunrise. Xenochlora nigrofemorata was the main pollinator, as it effectively collected and transferred pollen grains. Nectar production appears to be a secondary resource to ensure the attraction of a diversity of floral visitors and potential pollinators in the absence of effective pollinators. The results of the present study contribute to understanding the pollination mechanisms of Peltogyne, a genus that has been neglected with regard to its reproductive mechanism, and documents, for the first time, the role of the bee genus Xenochlora in plant pollination.

Highlights

Studies on reproductive biology have been widely recognized as important tools for identifying the factors associated with the reproductive success of plants and the subsequent maintenance of populations, especially when dealing with endemic, rare or endangered species (Schemske et al 1994; Rodríguez-Pérez 2005; Castro et al 2008)
We describe the floral biology of P. chrysopis and some aspects of its breeding system, with emphasis on the temporal availability of floral resources, plant-animal interactions during the flowering cycle, and pollination efficiency
Floral biology and pollination syndrome whorl of five stamens is shorter than the pistil, while the anthers in the most external whorl are the same length as the pistil) (Fig. 2)

Summary

Introduction

Studies on reproductive biology (e.g., floral biology, breeding system, pollination) have been widely recognized as important tools for identifying the factors associated with the reproductive success of plants and the subsequent maintenance of populations, especially when dealing with endemic, rare or endangered species (Schemske et al 1994; Rodríguez-Pérez 2005; Castro et al 2008). Many aspects of reproductive biology that influence the distribution and maintenance of tree species in fragmented tropical Atlantic forests remain poorly investigated. Numerous studies have found that habitat fragmentation may affect plant reproductive success by disrupting plant-pollinator interactions (see Aguilar et al 2006 to review; Fontúrbel & Murúa 2014; Franceschinelli et al 2015). Forest fragmentation and increased selfing rates (e.g., small and isolated populations) can reduce gene flow resulting in inbreeding depression in plant populations (O’Brien 1994; Buza et al 2000; Kang et al 2005)

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