Circadian rhythm of a Silene species favours nocturnal pollination and constrains diurnal visitation.

ABSTRACT: Background and Aims Traits related to flower advertisement and reward sometimes vary in a circadian way, reflecting phenotypic specialization. However, specialized flowers are not necessarily restricted to specialized pollinators. This is the case of most Silene species, typically associated with diurnal or nocturnal syndromes of pollination but usually showing complex suites of pollinators. Methods A Silene species with mixed floral features between diurnal and nocturnal syndromes was used to test how petal opening, nectar production, scent emission and pollination success correlate in a circadian rhythm, and whether this is influenced by environmental conditions. The effect of diurnal and nocturnal visitation rates on plant reproductive success is also explored in three populations, incl

SUBMITTER: Prieto-Benitez S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5055817 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature