Abstract Detail

Ecology

Koptur, Suzanne [1], Salas, Andrea [2], Valdes, Imena [2], Nusrat, Maha [2], Villavicencio, Wendy [2], Zengin, Derya [2].

Nectar quantity and quality in Echites umbellatus (Apocynaceae).

Echites umbellatus (Apocynaceae) is a woody vine native to pine rocklands of South Florida and the Caribbean. Its white tubular flowers are visited by hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) who come for the nectar and inadvertently pollinate them. We have grown families of plants from fruits from different populations, and measured flowers, nectar volumes, and nectar sugar concentrations to see how flower size and shape may correspond to nectar characteristics. Measuring five flowers from 15 plants from each family/site, we recorded the following variables: largest flower face diameter, total tube length, tube length below reproductive structures, narrowest upper tube, nectar volume, and nectar concentration. We used analysis of variance to see which, if any, of these parameters contributed significantly to nectar concentration and volume. We also compared the extent of variation within and among families/sites. Our results will also inform how floral variation among individuals and sites may explain differences in breeding system and pollinator activity. In studying these less specialized members of the milkweed family, we also hope to gain insight into how pollen transfer efficiency has evolved in the Apocynaceae.

1 - Florida International University, Department Of Biological Sciences, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL, 33199, United States
2 - Florida International University, Department Of Biological Sciences, 1
3 - Florida International University, Department Of Biological Sciences, 1
4 - Florida International University, Department Of Biological Sciences, 1
5 - Florida International University, Department Of Biological Sciences, 1
6 - Florida International University, Department Of Biological Sciences, 1

Keywords:
nectar
pollination
flower size
milkweed
Apocynaceae.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 14, Ecology Section - Reproductive Biology
Location: 106/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 3:45 PM
Number: 14009
Abstract ID:533
Candidate for Awards:None