Total control - pollen presentation and floral longevity in Loasaceae (blazing star family) are modulated by light, temperature and pollinator visitation rates.

ABSTRACT: Stamen movements can be understood as a mechanism influencing pollen presentation and increasing outbreeding success of hermaphroditic flowers via optimized male function. In this study we experimentally analyzed the factors regulating autonomous and thigmonastic (triggered by flower visitors) stamen movements in eight species of Loasaceae. Both types of stamen movements are positively influenced by light and temperature and come to a virtual standstill in the dark and at low temperatures (12°C). Pollen presentation is thus discontinued during periods where pollinators are not active. Overall stamen presentation increases with increasing flower age. Contrary to expectation, no geometrical correlation between the floral scale stimulated and the stamen fascicle reacting exists, indicating th

SUBMITTER: Henning T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3423403 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature