Effect of pollen age on fruit set, fruit weight, and seed set in three orchid species

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather C Proctor
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Flowering Plants ◽  
Orchid Species ◽  
The Third ◽  
Pollen Longevity ◽  
Species Specific

The length of time that pollen remains viable after being removed from the anther may be subject to species-specific selection pressures, e.g., when the average transit time between anther and stigma is long, long-lived pollen may be favoured. Flowering plants that provide no reward to pollinators are predicted to have relatively long-lived pollen, because pollinators are less likely to immediately revisit flowers of a nonrewarding species. I studied the effect of pollen age on fertilization success in three species of orchids that provide little or no reward. Pollen was aged 0, 1, 2, 4, or 8 days outside of the anther and then placed on the stigmas of conspecific flowers. I collected and weighed all resultant fruits and used a subsampling technique to determine the number of embryonated seeds per fruit and the percentage of all seeds that had embryos. There was no evidence that pollen age affected fruit set, fruit weight, embryonated-seed number, or percentage of embryonated seeds in two species (Calopogon tuberosus (Linn.) Britton and Pogonia ophioglossoides (Linn.) Ker.). In the third, Cypripedium reginae Walt., 8-day-old pollen produced significantly lighter fruits with fewer embryonated seeds; however, the percentage of embryonated seeds was not affected. Although the pollen of these nonrewarding orchids appears to have an impressive life-span, it is difficult to make comparisons with other species because most previous studies have relied on laboratory tests of viability that appear to have little relation to performance of pollen in the field.Key words: pollen longevity, Orchidaceae, reproductive success.

Plant-level fecundity and andromonoecy in three common (Melaleuca styphelioides, M. thymifolia, M. nodosa) and one rare (M. deanei) Melaleuca (Myrtaceae) species of the Sydney region

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Hewitt ◽  
Paul Holford ◽  
Adrian Renshaw ◽  
Anthony Haigh ◽  
E. Charles Morris
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Flowering Plants ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Small Populations ◽  
Small Field ◽  
Plant Level

This paper reports plant-level measures of reproductive performance from large and small field populations of the vulnerable species Melaleuca deanei F.Meull. compared with three common species within the genus: Melaleuca nodosa (Sol. ex Gaertn.) Sm., Melaleuca thymifolia Sm. and Melaleuca styphelioides Sm. Measures reported include average seed numbers per capsule and per plant; average fruit loads per plant; the proportion of buds that become flowers and thence fruits (fruit set); the number of ovules per flower and seed : ovule ratios (seed set); and floral morphologies. Results indicate that when M. deanei flowers, bud to flower ratios and flower to fruit ratios are not reduced compared with the congeners or between large and small populations. Seed loads per plant held by fruiting plants were comparable between the species and between large and small populations of M. deanei. Seed to ovule ratios were in the order of 5–9% in M. nodosa; 5–7% in M. styphelioides; 7–10% in M. deanei; and 12–15% in M. thymifolia. Larval herbivory of ovules was recorded in M. nodosa and pre-dispersal seed predation noted in M. thymifolia. Andromonoecy was recorded in two of the species at rates of 0.9–3.1% (M. deanei) and 2.9–7% (M. thymifolia). Results suggest that seed production within smaller populations of M. deanei is poor because of a low frequency of flowering and a low proportion of flowering plants per population, rather than plant-level pollination, fruit- or seed-set barriers. Further study is needed to determine the triggers to flowering, the breeding systems, the extent of clonality and the germination and establishment requirements in these species.

scholarly journals Self-Compatibility and Reproductive Success of Oenothera drummondii subsp. drummondii: Is It Similar between Native and Non-Native Populations?

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 431
Author(s):  
Juan B. Gallego-Fernández ◽  
José G. García-Franco
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Clinal Variation ◽  
Native Range ◽  
Cross Pollination ◽  
Native Populations ◽  
Self Compatibility ◽  
Selection Factors

The mating system of plants widely distributed can change in native range but also in non-native habitats. Oenothera drummondii, native to the coastal dunes of the Gulf of Mexico, has been introduced to Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Hand self- and cross-pollination were performed to determine compatibility and to compare fruit set, fruit weight, seed set and germination characteristics from natives and non-natives populations and a comprehensive integral reproductive success index (IRSI) was built. Oenothera drummondii exhibited high self-compatibility and mixed reproductive systems in all populations. Characteristics of fruits and seeds from self- and cross-pollination varied within and between native and non-native populations and some had a positive clinal variation in the native range. The IRSI was sensitive to changes of fruit set, seed set and final germination of both self- and cross-pollination, showing differences between native populations. Differences in characteristics of fruits and seeds in the native and non-native ranges suggest the occurrence of distinct selection factors. The mixed reproductive system of O. drummondii suggests it can take advantage of local visitors in the native range, but also can provide advantages for the establishment at non-native sites giving the opportunity to interact with local flower visitors.

The effects of date pollinizer variety and pollination time on fruit set and yield of Medjhol date palm

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoul Amir Rahnama ◽  
Esmaeil Rahkhodaei
Keyword(s):  
Date Palm ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Male Flower ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Palm Fruit ◽  
Tropical Fruit ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Female Flowers

Date palm is unisexual, being either male or female. Male and female flowers grow on buds called Spathe, which opens naturally when fully mature. It is easy to identify the male and female flowers. Under the method of manual pollination, pollen from a male flower is smeared over female flowers. The pollen variety and pollination time have important effects on date palm fruit set, yield and quality. This experiment was carried out to study the effect of date pollinizer variety and pollination time on fruit set, growth and development of Medjhol date palm variety, in date palm garden of date palm and tropical fruit research institute of Iran during three years from 2009 to 2011. The trail was randomized complete block design in factorial manner with three pollen variety as Ghaname, Vardy, and Samesmave, two pollination time as 1-3 days before or after spathe opening and four replication. The results showed that the Vardy pollen had significant effects and increased the fertility percent and fruit yield, rather than two other pollen varieties. The pollen variety had no significant effects on fruit quality as total sugar, acidity, and bricx. The pollination time before spathe opening significantly increased fertility percent, decreased fruit weight and date palm yield. Finally the pollen variety and pollination time interaction effects showed that, application of Vardy pollen from 1-3 days after spathe opening with the most production date palm yield, equal 19.9 kilogram per any date palm trees, so this treatment is the best and are recommended.

scholarly journals Phloem-Feeding Herbivores Affect Floral Development and Reproduction in the Etruscan Honeysuckle (Lonicera etrusca Santi)

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 815
Author(s):  
Sandra V. Rojas-Nossa ◽  
José María Sánchez ◽  
Luis Navarro
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Floral Development ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Complex Landscape ◽  
Fruit And Seed Set ◽  
Phloem Feeding ◽  
Growth And Reproduction

Floral development depends on multifactor processes related to genetic, physiological, and ecological pathways. Plants respond to herbivores by activating mechanisms aimed at tolerating, compensating, or avoiding loss of biomass and nutrients, and thereby survive in a complex landscape of interactions. Thus, plants need to overcome trade-offs between development, growth, and reproduction vs. the initiation of anti-herbivore defences. This study aims to assess the frequency of phloem-feeding herbivores in wild populations of the Etruscan honeysuckle (Lonicera etrusca Santi) and study their effects on floral development and reproduction. The incidence of herbivory by the honeysuckle aphid (Hyadaphis passerinii del Guercio) was assessed in three wild populations of the Iberian Peninsula. The effect of herbivory on floral morphology, micromorphology of stigmas and pollen, floral rewards, pollination, and fruit and seed set were studied. The herbivory by aphids reduces the size of flowers and pollen. Additionally, it stops nectar synthesis and causes malformation in pollen and microstructures of stigmas, affecting pollination. As a consequence, fruit set and seed weight are reduced. This work provides evidence of the changes induced by phloem-feeding herbivores in floral development and functioning that affect the ecological processes necessary to maintain the reproductive success of plants.

Pollination ecology of Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) in Central Brazil cerrado vegetation

1993 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rogério Gribel ◽  
John D. Hay
Keyword(s):  
Breeding System ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Floral Biology ◽  
Cerrado Vegetation ◽  
Central Brazil ◽  
Glossophaga Soricina ◽  
Caryocar Brasiliense ◽  
Anoura Geoffroyi ◽  
Phyllostomus Discolor

ABSTRACTThe floral biology, breeding system and pollination of Caryocar brasiliense were studied in the cerrado vegetation of Central Brazil. The large, yellowish-cream, brush-like flowers are pollinated mainly by glossophagine bats (Glossophaga soricina and Anoura geoffroyi). Three non-glossophagine bats (Phyllostomus discolor, Vampyrops lineatus and Carollia perspicillata) and two short probosisced hawk moths (Erinyis ello and Pseudosphinx tetrio) may also act as occasional pollinators. Caryocar brasiliense is self-compatible although it sets significantly more fruits when crossed than when selfed. The natural fruit set (fruit/flower ratio) and seed set (seed/ovule ratio) are 3.1% and 1.0% respectively. Most of the fruits and seeds are formed through the action of the flower visitors, despite the fact that about 20% of the non-visited flowers receive self pollen on at least one stigma.

scholarly journals Almond Fruit Drop Patterns under Mediterranean Conditions

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 544
Author(s):  
Jaume Lordan ◽  
Lourdes Zazurca ◽  
Mercè Rovira ◽  
Laura Torguet ◽  
Ignasi Batlle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Full Bloom ◽  
Tree Management ◽  
Fruit Drop ◽  
Mediterranean Conditions ◽  
New Cultivars ◽  
Scion Cultivar

Almond is an important tree nut crop worldwide, and planted areas have been increasing year after year. While self-fertility is one of the key factors when it comes to improved almond productivity of new cultivars, yield is also affected by the number of flowers produced, pollination, fruit set, fruit drop, and fruit weight. Almond fruit drop patterns of 20 Mediterranean almond cultivars were studied over three years. In addition, fruit drop patterns of two scion cultivars ‘Marinada’ and ‘Vairo’ budded onto eight to 10 different rootstocks managed with three different pruning strategies were studied for two years. Cumulative flower and fruit drop ranged from 50% to 90% among cultivars and treatments, and there were up to four fruit drop events during the growing season, the main one occurring from 20–60 days from full bloom (DFFB). Subsequent drops were at 100 DFFB, 120–140 DFFB, and the last one at 160–180 DFFB. The later drops were less apparent. In general, about half of the cumulative drop was comprised of buds and flowers, and the remaining percentage was fruit that dropped 20 or more days after full bloom. Furthermore, different fruit drop patterns were observed depending on the cultivar. For late- and extra-late flowering cultivars, cumulative fruit drop began to decrease earlier, with most of the drops occurred already at full bloom, whereas the opposite was observed for the early flowering cultivars. Rootstocks also had an important effect on the fruit drop pattern, with different effects depending on the scion cultivar. Tree management, such as type of pruning, also had an important effect on the rate of fruit drop and cumulative drop. Therefore, each combination of cultivar × rootstock × pruning type will require different strategies in order to reduce the fruit drop and optimize crop loads.

scholarly journals EARLY SPRING APPLICATION OF AMINOETHOXYVINILGLYCINE (AVG) INCREASES FRUIT SET AND YIELD OF ‘ROCHA’ PEARS

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
MATEUS DA SILVEIRA PASA ◽  
BRUNO CARRA ◽  
CARINA PEREIRA DA SILVA ◽  
MARLISE NARA CIOTTA ◽  
ALBERTO FONTANELLA BRIGHENTI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Quality Attributes ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Full Bloom ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Return Bloom

ABSTRACT The low fruit set is one of the main factors leading to poor yield of pear orchards in Brazil. Ethylene is associated with abscission of flowers and fruitlets. Then, the application of ethylene synthesis inhibitors, such as AVG, is a potential tool to increase fruit set of pears. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of AVG, sprayed at different rates and timings, on fruit set, yield and fruit quality of ‘Rocha’ pear. The study was performed in a commercial orchard located in the municipality of São Joaquim, SC, during the growing seasons of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. Plant material consisted of ‘Rocha’ pear trees grafted on quince rootstock ‘BA29’. AVG was tested at different rates (60 mg L-1 and 80 mg L-1) and timings [full bloom, one week after full bloom (WAFB), and two WAFB), either alone or in combination. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, with at least five single-tree replications. The fruit set, number of fruit per tree, yield, estimated yield, fruit weight, return bloom, and fruit quality attributes were assessed. Fruit set and yield were consistently increased by single applications of AVG at 60 and 80 mg L-1 at both one and two weeks after full bloom, without negatively affecting fruit quality attributes and return bloom.

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