| Abstract Detail
Recent Topics Posters Soley, Nathan [1], Sipes, Sedonia [2]. Reproductive Ecology of the Invasive Plant Elaeagnus umbellata. The breeding system and pollinators of Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn Olive) were examined in southern and central Illinois in May 2011. Factors influencing reproductive success in this invasive plant, such as floral morphology and flowering phenology, were also measured. Hand-pollination studies in two populations suggest this species is an obligate outcrosser. Cross-pollinated flowers set more fruit than open-pollinated controls, suggesting pollen limitation. 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 Augochlorella, Ceratina, Lasioglossum, Xylocopa, and Apis mellifera. Dipteran and Coleopteran species may also contribute to reproductive success. There are no indications of dichogamy in Autumn Olive flowers, but there is variation in the degree of herkogamy amongst individuals. These traits suggest that pollinators play a role in invasion and that Autumn Olive may affect pollinator visitation to native plants. Broader Impacts:
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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 plant
pollination
Breeding system
outcrossing
bees.
Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P
Location: Khorassan Ballroom/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT020
Abstract ID:1084 |
