Reproductive phenology and pre-dispersal fruit predation in Atriplex halimus L. (Chenopodiaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The flowering phenology pattern of Atriplex halimus was studied in a Mediterranean habitat in order to analyze protandry effectiveness. Fruit set evolution was recorded over two years and the impact of pre-dispersal predation by insects was also evaluated.

Results

The flowering phenology coincided in 2006 and 2007, starting in mid-July and reaching full flowering at the end of August in both years. Inflorescences are composed of glomerules with 8.78 ± 2.79 male flowers and 4.57 ± 2.58 female flowers, with no significant differences in position on the inflorescence. The peaks of male and female flower anthesis were reached in mid-August, but the male maximum occurred one week before the female. Plants at the start of flowering only bear male flowers, but female flo

SUBMITTER: Romera P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5383916 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature