Oviposition by mutualistic seed-consuming pollinators reduces fruit abortion in a recently discovered pollination mutualism.

ABSTRACT: A prerequisite for the evolutionary stability of pollinating seed-consuming mutualisms is that each partner benefits from the association. However, few studies of such mutualism have considered the benefit gained by the pollinators. Here, we determined how the pollinating seed-predators ensure the provisioning of their offspring in the recently discovered mutualism between Rheum nobile and Bradysia flies. The correlation between flower fate and fly oviposition was examined. Floral traits and patterns of variation in fruit abortion and fly oviposition were investigated to determine whether female flies exhibit preferences for particular flowers when laying eggs. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was quantified to determine whether female flies manipulate host physiology. Flowers that flies oviposi

SUBMITTER: Song B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4945934 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature