Pollinators shift to nectar robbers when florivory occurs, with effects on reproductive success in Iris bulleyana (Iridaceae)

Plant Biology
Z-M YeDavid W Inouye

Abstract

Studies have indicated that florivory and nectar robbing may reduce reproductive success of host plants. However, whether and how these effects might interact when plants are simultaneously attacked by both florivores and nectar robbers still needs further investigation. We used Iris bulleyana to detect the interactions among florivory, nectar robbing and pollination, and moreover, their effects on plant reproductive success. Field investigations and hand-pollination treatments were conducted on two experimental plots from a natural population, in which Experimental plot was protected from florivores and Control plot was not manipulated. The flower calyx was bitten by sawflies to consume the nectary, and three bumblebee species were pollinators. In addition, the short-tongued pollinator, Bombus friseanus, was the only robber when there was a hole made by a sawfly. The bumblebee had significantly shortened flower handling time when robbing, as compared to legitimate visits. Pollinator visitation and seed production decreased significantly in damaged flowers. However, seed production per flower after supplementary hand-pollination did not differ significantly between damaged and undamaged flowers. Compared to the Experimental plo...Continue Reading

References

Jul 26, 2002·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Sven Bacher, Jürg Friedli
Oct 30, 2003·The American Naturalist·Maureen L Stanton
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Dec 1, 2002·Oecologia·Rebecca E Irwin, Joan E Maloof

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Citations

Oct 31, 2018·American Journal of Botany·Nicole L Soper Gorden, Lynn S Adler
Nov 28, 2018·Phytochemistry·Pietro ZitoMaurizio Sajeva
Aug 8, 2021·The New Phytologist·Maria Gabriela BoaventuraTatiana Cornelissen

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