Abstract Detail

Pollination Biology

Soley, Nathan [1], Sipes, Sedonia [2].

Reproductive success in the invasive plant Elaeagnus umbellata is dependent on local pollinators.

The breeding system and pollinators of the invasive plant Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn olive) were examined in southern and central Illinois in the spring of 2011 and 2012. Factors influencing reproductive success in this invasive plant, such as floral morphology and flowering phenology, were also measured. Results from hand-pollination studies and pollen tube analyses suggest this species is an obligate outcrosser. There was notable morphological variation in the degree of stigma and anther separation among individuals, suggesting that some individuals may suffer stigma-clogging from self pollen transfer more than others. Cross-pollinated flowers set more viable seed than open-pollinated controls, revealing that pollen limitation may be common in some years and at certain sites. The majority of floral visitors found to be associated with autumn olive were generalist pollinators. The most frequent visitors were small to large bees, including the native Augochlorella, Bombus, Ceratina, Lasioglossum, Xylocopa, and the exotic Apis mellifera. Dipteran and Lepidopteran species may also contribute to reproductive success, but bees are the most effective pollinators based on pollen load analyses. These findings suggest that pollinators play a role in invasion and that autumn olive may affect pollinator visitation to native bee-pollinated plants.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Southern Illinois University, Plant Biology, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
2 - Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Mail Code 6509, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA

Keywords:
invasive ecology
pollination ecology
plant mating systems.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 52
Location: Delaware D/Hyatt
Date: Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Time: 1:30 PM
Number: 52001
Abstract ID:1012