Abstract Detail

Reproductive Processes

Krosnick, Shawn [1], Campbell, Lesley [2], Thacker, J. Heath [1].

Preliminary assessment of self-compatibility and effects of geitnogamous pollination in Physaria globosa (Desvaux) O'Kane & Al-Shehbaz (Brassicaceae).

Physaria globosa is a federally endangered species endemic to just 31 sites across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. This species typically grows on steep, rocky, wooded slopes, ledges of bluffs and talus areas, and is usually found in these habitats near rivers or streams. Most populations are closely associated with calcareous soils. Little is known about the natural history of P. globosa, though recent work at one population in Tennessee has indicated that soldier flies, hover flies, and ground-nesting bees are the primary pollinators. Both self-compatible and self-incompatible species are present in the genus Physaria. To document self-compatibility, several individual plants were obtained and then cultivated ex situ from a population in Hartsville, TN. For each individual, controlled outcrosses, self-pollinations, and autogamous-self treatments were performed during March and April 2018. Flowers were collected after 48 hours, fixed in FAA and later visualized with aniline blue staining and fluorescence microscopy for pollen tube germination. In addition, stigma clogging trials were performed using pollen from geitnogamous anthers from neighboring flowers in the same raceme combined with anthers from outcrossed donors. The results are considered in light of potential conservation implications and as well as additional studies recommended.

1 - Tennessee Tech University, Dept. Of Biology, 1100 East Dixie Avenue, Pennebaker Hall #207, Cookeville, TN, 38505, United States
2 - Ryerson University, Department of Chemistry and Biology, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON, M5B2K3, Canada

Keywords:
Physaria globosa
pollination.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 16, Reproductive Processes I
Location: 111/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Tuesday, July 24th, 2018
Time: 8:45 AM
Number: 16004
Abstract ID:603
Candidate for Awards:None