Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Adderley, Lorraine [1], McEwen, Jamie [1], Vamosi, Jana [1].

Effect of floral display and geographical context on selfing rate variation in Plectritis congesta.

Self-fertilization has been linked to floral display characteristics, and to geographical location separately, but as of yet we do not know how these variables interact, along with pollinator visitation, to change self-fertilization rates between populations. We are using AFLP markers to estimate self-fertilization rates in several populations of Plectritis congesta on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands of Southwestern British Columbia, Canada. Plectritis congesta, is a small annual forb with cluster-like inflorescences of small pink flowers. Like many species of Plectritis, has the ability to self-fertilize. However, Plectritis congesta can vary in its rate of self fertilization from 0-58% by population. We wish to examine the factors which influence this selfing rate variation. At each population we have estimated population size and density, measured the floral display, and estimated the co-flowering competition. Along with this information we will be examining the pollinator visitation rates through net trapping, the contribution that geitonogamy makes to these selfing rates using an emasculation experiment, and the geographic isolation of each population via GIS mapping. Through a statistical modeling approach we hope to explain how these factors coalesce to vary selfing rates from population to population. Currently, results are still forthcoming. However, based on observation and preliminary data, it seems that floral display is quite variable by population and may be correlated with geographic isolation. We hope to show our first results at this conference.

Broader Impacts:
This project primarily will provide the much needed basic ecology of Plectritis congesta. This project will also act to give insight into the relationship between self-fertilization and the floral and geographical factors that may cause it. This will also provide important contributions to the state of knowledge about unique adaptations in British Colombian plants to isolated locations which are undeserved by pollinators. In addition this research may identify which areas are lacking in insect pollinators. This information could serve to aid agencies in coming up with strategies to bolster lacking pollinator communities to preserve the many rare plants which occur in the coastal mediterranean ecosystems of the Gulf Islands of British Columbia (specifically Garry Oak ecosystems). This project will provide important contributions to the state of knowledge concerning British Colombian Bees and pollinating flies. Due to the limited number of specialists both in the past and currently, there are sparse records on both the fauna of British Columbia and its status with respect to conservation concerns. This project will act to provide much needed specimens, and data on abundance, distribution, pollination behavior, and ecology of the group. This information in turn will aid agencies in determining species at risk and will provide current records on the status of rare or otherwise little known individuals.

1 - University of Calgary, Biological Sciences, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada

Keywords:
pollination biology
self-fertilization
Plectritis congesta
Biogeography
floral display size
landscape effects on bees
competition for pollination.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEC018
Abstract ID:426