Reproductive Biology and Breeding Systems of Two Opisthopappus Endemic and Endangered Species on the Taihang Mountains.

Abstract

Opisthopappus is a perennial, endemic herb of the Taihang Mountains in China. Two species of this genus (O. longilobus and O. taihangensis) are important wild genetic resources for Asteraceae; however, their reproductive biology has been lacking until now. This study is the first detailed report on the reproductive biology and breeding systems of two Opisthopappus species. Through field observations, the floral syndromes of O. longilobus and O. taihangensis were found to possess a similar pattern, although O. taihangensis has a relatively larger capitulum, more ray ligules, and disc florets. The flowers of both O. longilobus and O. taihangensis are protandrous, a character that can prevent autogamy at the single-flower level, and insects are required for pollination. Further, brightly ligules, brightly bisexual florets, unique fragrance, and amount of nectar suggest that these species propagate via an entomophilous pollination system. Hymenopteran and Diptera species were observed as the effective pollinators for these two species. The outcrossing index, pollen/ovule ratio and the results of hand pollination indicated that these Opisthopappus species might have a mixed mating system that combines cross-fertilization and partial self-fertilization for O. longilobus and O. taihangensis, outcrossing predominated in the breeding system, while self-pollination played an important role in seed production when insect pollination was unavailable, particularly in a harsh environment, such as the Taihang Mountains cliffs. Meanwhile, O. taihangensis might better adapt to severe surroundings with relatively complex floral syndromes, specifically through the attraction of visiting insects and a high seed set rate. The above results not only provide reference information toward a better understanding of the survival strategies of O. longilobus and O. taihangensis in the Taihang Mountains but also lay a solid foundation for further exploring the molecular mechanisms that underly their adaptation under cliff environments.