Abstract Detail

Pollination Biology

Skogen, Krissa [1], Jogesh, Tania [2], Overson, Rick [3], Fant, Jeremie [4], Robert, Raguso [5].

Evolution of floral traits in the evening primrose family, Onagraceae.

The diversity of interactions among flowering plants and insects is largely thought to have been fundamental to the diversification of plant species, their life histories, and their reproductive strategies. Indeed, adaptive evolution of floral traits associated with pollinator attraction and fidelity has long been assumed to result from pollinator-mediated selection providing a primary (but not sole) mechanism for reproductive isolation. The evening primrose family, Onagraceae, includes over 650 taxa with a diversity of floral traits and pollinators, thus providing the opportunity to investigate patterns of floral trait and mating system evolution, as well as shifts from nocturnal to diurnal pollination. Here, we focus on 14 species, representing 6 sections in Tribe Onagreae, which comprises 40% of the species diversity in Onagraceae, as well as much of the diversity in terms of pollination systems (humming bird, hawkmoth, bee), mating systems (selfing, mixed mating, outcrossing), and habitats. We characterized floral traits (flower size, color, length and flare of hypanthium, herkogamy, nectar characteristics, and floral scent) and pollinator visitation rates, and interpret patterns in a phylogenetic context. Floral morphology is consistent with expectations based on primary floral visitor and mating system. While many taxa converge in floral morphology, floral scent is polymorphic at the species and population level. Floral traits, and plant volatiles in particular, are important drivers of relationships with insects, but volatiles remain poorly integrated into the central concept structures of floral trait evolution and pollination ecology.

1 - Chicago Botanic Garden, Conservation Scientist, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, 60022, USA
2 - Chicago Botanic Garden, Plant Science and Conservation, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois, 60022, United States
3 - Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois, 60022, United States
4 - Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL, 60022, USA
5 - Cornell University, Neurobiology and Behavior, Room W355, Seeley G Mudd Hall, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA

Keywords:
onagraceae
floral traits
Floral Organic Volatiles
floral evolution
Oenothera
pollination
hawkmoth
bee
mating system.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 36, Pollination Biology
Location: 203/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
Time: 10:15 AM
Number: 36008
Abstract ID:730
Candidate for Awards:None