Abstract Detail

Reproductive Processes

Johnson, Sophia [1], Schurr, Paige [1], Garrett, Patrick [2], Majetic, Cassie [3].

Battle of the sexes: analyzing differences in floral scent of male and female inflorescences in Canella winterana.

Floral scent is an important pollinator attractive trait, but continues to be less investigated than other aspects of the floral phenotype. Previous research has indicated that there are subtle differences in floral scent between sexual phases in the endangered species Canella winterana, a sub-tropical shrub displaying synchronous dichogamy. However, insufficient sampling has limited verification of the pattern. This study expands that sampling to examine the potential differences in floral scent between sexual stages. Specifically, we predicted that floral scent emission patterns of female and male phase flowers will be generally similar except for differences between sexes in the presence or absence of a few minor compounds. Inflorescences from both female and male phases in C. winterana were sampled using dynamic headspace collection. Chemical samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy to determine compound identity and emission rates. MANOVA and NMDS/PERMANOVA statistical analysis were used to examine differences among sexes nested within individuals in individual compound emission patterns and overall scent profile, respectively. Results supported previous research: we found similar chemical composition between both female and male stages, with slight differences in the emission rates of a few minor components. Future research in floral scent variation should examine pollinators and their responses to these slight scent differences, which has been seen previously in other species. Such studies of pollinator preference may have implications for the future conservation of C. winterana.

1 - Saint Mary's College, Biology Department, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
2 - Miami University, Biology, 700 East High Street, Oxford, OH, 45056, United States
3 - Saint Mary's College, Dept Of Biology, SR 933 North, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, United States

Keywords:
floral scent
dichogamy.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Reproductive Processes
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PRP006
Abstract ID:255
Candidate for Awards:None