scholarly journals Floral adaptation and diversification under pollen limitation

2010 ◽  
Vol 365 (1539) ◽  
pp. 529-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence D. Harder ◽  
Marcelo A. Aizen
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Pollen Limitation ◽  
Resource Limitation ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Reproductive Characteristics ◽  
Pollen Vectors ◽  
Context Dependent ◽  
Female Success

Pollen limitation (PL) of seed production creates unique conditions for reproductive adaptation by angiosperms, in part because, unlike under ovule or resource limitation, floral interactions with pollen vectors can contribute to variation in female success. Although the ecological and conservation consequences of PL have received considerable attention in recent times, its evolutionary implications are poorly appreciated. To identify general influences of PL on reproductive adaptation compared with those under other seed-production limits and their implications for evolution in altered environments, we derive a model that incorporates pollination and post-pollination aspects of PL. Because PL always favours increased ovule fertilization, even when population dynamics are not seed limited, it should pervasively influence selection on reproductive traits. Significantly, under PL the intensity of inbreeding does not determine whether outcrossing or autonomous selfing can evolve, although it can affect which response is most likely. Because the causes of PL are multifaceted in both natural and anthropogenically altered environments, the possible outcrossing solutions are diverse and context dependent, which may contribute to the extensive variety of angiosperm reproductive characteristics. Finally, the increased adaptive options available under PL may be responsible for positive global associations between it and angiosperm diversity.

Limitations on reproduction in alpine Ranunculus acris

1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ørjan Totland
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Resource Availability ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Pollen Limitation ◽  
Resource Limitation ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Perennial Herb ◽  
Plant Variation ◽  
Hand Pollination ◽  
Ranunculus Acris

This study examines experimentally the influence of limiting factors on seed to ovule ratio and seed weight in three alpine populations of the perennial herb Ranunculus acris L. at Finse, southwest Norway. To test for pollen and resource limitation, seed production of supplementally pollinated or completely defoliated plants was compared to that of untreated plants. In one population the experiment was repeated twice during the season. In mid-season, supplemental hand-pollination had no significant effect on seed to ovule ratio, but significantly increased the seed weight, whereas complete defoliation resulted in a significant decrease in seed to ovule ratio and a marginally significant decrease in seed weight. These results indicate that pollen limitation occurred on seed weight and resource limitation mainly on seed to ovule ratio. Seed production in late-flowering control and defoliated plants in one population was nearly completely absent, whereas supplemental pollination increased seed production substantially. Most seeds were produced at the lowest elevation, and frost damage on developing seeds was most pronounced at the highest elevation population, suggesting that severe weather conditions at the highest altitudes had a negative influence on reproductive processes. Significant positive relationships between seed number and seed weight were found, possibly reflecting a large among-plant variation in total resource availability. Key words: altitude gradient, climate, defoliation, pollen and resource availability, seasonal variation, seed size.

scholarly journals Association of RBP4 Genotype with Phenotypic Reproductive Traits of Sows

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Marantidis ◽  
G. P. Laliotis ◽  
M. Avdi
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Retinol Binding Protein ◽  
Rapid Improvement ◽  
Retinol Binding Protein 4 ◽  
Reproductive Characteristics ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium ◽  
Rbp4 Gene

PCR-RFLP was applied to a commercial crossbred pig population in order to investigate the association between polymorphism (SNP) of Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) gene and reproductive performance. 400 sows were genotyped and 2000 records of reproductive traits were used in order to retrieve information about the allele frequencies and the association of the RBP4 gene with main reproductive characteristics of the population. A deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed as a result of the AB genotype excess. In addition, the AA genotype saw statistically significant higher values of (i) the total number of born piglets (p<0.05), (ii) the number of piglets born alive (p<0.01), and (iii) the number of weaned piglets (p<0.01). The number of the mummified piglets and the number of the piglets born dead did not differ between the various RBP4 genotypes. Interestingly, the AA genotype had a negative impact (p<0.05) on the number of piglets born dead, resulting indirectly in a larger litter size. In conclusion, the AA genotype and in extension the A allele of RBP4 gene are in favor of producing larger litter size, suggesting that the RBP4 gene may be used in Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) programs for a rapid improvement of the reproductive characteristics in pigs.

scholarly journals Effect of EPSPS Gene Copy Number and Glyphosate Selection on Fitness of Glyphosate-Resistant Bassia Scoparia in The Field

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlemagne Ajoc Lim ◽  
Prashant Jha ◽  
Vipan Kumar ◽  
Alan T. Dyer
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Copy Number ◽  
Gene Copy Number ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Gene Copy ◽  
Epsps Gene ◽  
Gene Copies

Abstract The widespread evolution of glyphosate-resistant (GR) Bassia scoparia in the U.S. Great Plains poses a serious threat to the long-term sustainability of GR sugar beet. Glyphosate resistance in B. scoparia is due to an increase in the EPSPS (5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate) gene copy number. The variation in EPSPS gene copies among individuals from within a single GR B. scoparia population indicated a differential response to glyphosate selection. We tested the hypothesis of reduced GR B. scoparia fitness (reproductive traits) to increasing glyphosate rates (applied as single or sequential applications) potentially experienced within a GR sugar beet field. The variation in EPSPS gene copy number and total glyphosate rate (single or sequential applications) did not influence any of the reproductive traits of GR B. scoparia, except seed production. Sequential applications of glyphosate with a total rate of 2,214 g ae ha− 1 or higher prevented seed production in B. scoparia plants with 2–4 (low levels of resistance) and 5–6 (moderate levels of resistance) EPSPS gene copies. Timely sequential applications of glyphosate (full recommended rates) can potentially slow down the evolution of GR B. scoparia with low to moderate levels of resistance (2–6 EPSPS gene copies), but any survivors (highly-resistant individuals with ≥ 8 EPSPS gene copies) need to be mechanically removed before flowering from GR sugar beet fields. This research warrants the need to adopt ecologically based, multi-tactic strategies to reduce exposure of B. scoparia to glyphosate in GR sugar beet.

Effects of Sheep Grazing Astrebla Grasslands in Central Western Queensland. Iii. Dynamics of Astrebla Spp. Under Grazing and Exclosure Between 1975 and 1986.

1991 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
DM Orr ◽  
CJ Evenson
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Plant Population ◽  
Sheep Grazing ◽  
Plant Population Dynamics ◽  
Winter Rainfall ◽  
Plant Populations

The basal area, yield and plant populations of Astrebla spp. were monitored under grazing and exclosure in Astrebla grasslands between 1975 and 1986. This study was undertaken to develop an understanding of how Astrebla spp. respond to grazing, particularly in relation to the high variability of rainfall. Basal area and yield of Astrebla spp. varied widely between years in response to summer rainfall, with few differences between exclosure and grazing. The failure of summer rainfall resulted in increased utilization of Astrebla spp. but this effect was partially offset in some years by the growth of forb species following winter rainfall. Grazing stimulated the recruitment of Astrebla spp. seedlings by increasing the density of inflorescences which, in turn, increased seed production. Survival of seedling cohorts depended on adequate summer rainfall and grazing tended to enhance cohort survival. There was a greater plant flux under grazing than under exclosure. It was concluded that rainfall is the major factor influencing the biomass and plant population dynamics of Astrebla spp. and that grazing up to about 30% utilization is not detrimental to Astrebla spp.

scholarly journals Are Reproductive Traits Related to Pollen Limitation in Plants? A Case Study from a Central European Meadow

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 640
Author(s):  
Michael Bartoš ◽  
Štěpán Janeček ◽  
Petra Janečková ◽  
Eliška Chmelová ◽  
Robert Tropek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Limitation ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Plant Reproduction ◽  
Landscape Fragmentation ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
A Site ◽  
Relationship Of

The deficiency of pollen grains for ovule fertilization can be the main factor limiting plant reproduction and fitness. Because of the ongoing global changes, such as biodiversity loss and landscape fragmentation, a better knowledge of the prevalence and predictability of pollen limitation is challenging within current ecological research. In our study we used pollen supplementation to evaluate pollen limitation (at the level of seed number and weight) in 22 plant species growing in a wet semi-natural meadow. We investigated the correlation between the pollen limitation index (PL) and floral traits associated with plant reproduction or pollinator foraging behavior. We recorded significant pollen limitation for approximately 41% of species (9 out of 22 surveyed). Seven species had a significant positive response in seed production and two species increased in seed weight after pollen supplementation. Considering traits, PL significantly decreased with the number of pollinator functional groups. The relationship of PL with other examined traits was not supported by our results. The causes of pollen limitation may vary among species with regard to (1) different reproductive strategies and life history, and/or (2) temporary changes in influence of biotic and abiotic factors at a site.

CONSUMER DRIVEN POLLEN LIMITATION OF SEED PRODUCTION IN MARSH GRASSES

1992 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 288-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Bertness ◽  
Scott W. Shumway
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Pollen Limitation

Modeling Population Dynamics of Kochia (Bassia scoparia) in Response to Diverse Weed Control Options

Weed Science ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Adewale Osipitan ◽  
J. Anita Dille ◽  
Muthukumar V. Bagavathiannan ◽  
Stevan Z. Knezevic
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Seedling Recruitment ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Herbicide Resistant

AbstractKochia [Bassia scoparia(L.) A. J. Scott] is a problematic weed species across the Great Plains, as it is spreading fast and has developed herbicide-resistant biotypes. It is imperative to understand key life-history stages that promote population expansion ofB. scopariaand control strategies that would provide effective control of these key stages, thereby reducing population growth. Diversifying weed control strategies has been widely recommended for the management of herbicide-resistant weeds. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to develop a simulation model to assess the population dynamics ofB. scopariaand to evaluate the effectiveness of diverse weed control strategies on long-term growth rates ofB. scopariapopulations. The model assumed the existence of a glyphosate-resistant (GR) biotype in theB. scopariapopulation, but at a very low proportion in a crop rotation that included glyphosate-tolerant corn (Zea maysL.) and soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.]. The parameter estimates used in the model were obtained from various ecological and management studies onB. scoparia. Model simulations indicated that seedling recruitment and survival to seed production were more important than seedbank persistence forB. scopariapopulation growth rate. Results showed that a diversified management program, including glyphosate, could provide excellent control ofB. scopariapopulations and potentially eliminate already evolved GRB. scopariabiotypes within a given location. The most successful scenario was a diverse control strategy that included one or two preplant tillage operations followed by preplant or PRE application of herbicides with residual activities and POST application of glyphosate; this strategy reduced seedling recruitment, survival, and seed production during the growing season, with tremendous negative impacts on long-term population growth and resistance risk inB. scoparia.

scholarly journals Proximity to forest edge does not affect crop production despite pollen limitation

2008 ◽  
Vol 275 (1637) ◽  
pp. 907-913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natacha P Chacoff ◽  
Marcelo A Aizen ◽  
Valeria Aschero
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Pollen Limitation ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Wild Plants ◽  
Visitation Frequency ◽  
Forest Remnants ◽  
Pollen Vectors ◽  
Pollen Receipt

A decline in pollination function has been linked to agriculture expansion and intensification. In northwest Argentina, pollinator visits to grapefruit, a self-compatible but pollinator-dependent crop, decline by approximately 50% at 1 km from forest edges. We evaluated whether this decrease in visitation also reduces the pollination service in this crop. We analysed the quantity and quality of pollen deposited on stigmas, and associated limitation of fruit production at increasing distances (edge: 10, 100, 500 and 1000 m) from the remnants of Yungas forest. We also examined the quantitative and qualitative efficiency of honeybees as pollen vectors. Pollen receipt and pollen tubes in styles decreased with increasing distance from forest edge; however, this decline did not affect fruit production. Supplementation of natural pollen with self- and cross-pollen revealed that both pollen quantity and quality limited fruit production. Despite pollen limitation, honeybees cannot raise fruit production because they often do not deposit sufficient high-quality pollen per visit to elicit fruit development. However, declines in visitation frequency well below seven visits during a flower's lifespan could decrease production beyond current yields. In this context, the preservation of forest remnants, which act as pollinator sources, could contribute to resilience in crop production. Like wild plants, pollen limitation of the yield among animal-pollinated crops may be common and indicative not only of pollinator scarcity, but also of poor pollination quality, whereby pollinator efficiency, rather than just abundance, can play a broader role than previously appreciated.

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