loading page

Environment or pollinators? Factors shaping breeding system and spatial variation in nectar properties and pollination system in a desert species Fritillaria persica L.
  • +3
  • Katarzyna Roguz,
  • Paweł Pstrokoński,
  • Justyna Ryniewicz,
  • Magdalena Chmur,
  • Andrzej Bajguz,
  • Yuval Sapir
Katarzyna Roguz
Warsaw University Faculty of Biology

Corresponding Author:k.roguz@edu.pl

Author Profile
Paweł Pstrokoński
Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie
Author Profile
Justyna Ryniewicz
Warsaw University Faculty of Biology
Author Profile
Magdalena Chmur
Uniwersytet w Białymstoku
Author Profile
Andrzej Bajguz
Uniwersytet w Białymstoku Wydział Biologiczno-Chemiczny
Author Profile
Yuval Sapir
Tel Aviv University
Author Profile

Abstract

Interaction with pollinators has been proposed as one of the most important factors shaping the diversity of flowering plants. Spatial variation in the directions of the selective pressure exerted by pollinators drives the evolution of adaptive differentiation. Thus, across-population studies of flower traits and plant-pollinator interaction are therefore an important step to understanding the diverse selective pressures that drive floral evolution in zoogamous angiosperms. In this study, we combine observational data and field experiments to describe the assemblages of pollinators, breeding systems, and reward properties in studied populations of the Middle East geophyte, Fritillaria persica. Natural populations of this species include two floral color morphs with greenish or purple flowers, in both morphs the nectaries of the outer whorl are covered by the tepals of the inner one. Our study documented geographical variation in the pollination system of two color morphs of F. persica. Visitors recorded in both populations were similar qualitatively, however, their contribution varied. Nectar sugar concentration and profile were generally constant in studied populations, we recorded differences only in nectar volume and concentration of amino acids. These results suggest that the observed variation in nectar production is likely to be a result of environmental factors, rather than pollinator-mediated selection. In the context of reward, we also tested how uncovering the hidden nectar reward from outer tepals influences potential pollinators. Uncovering hidden reward did not change the time spent in one flower or inflorescence penetration, however, it increased the number of seeds produced. The similarity of nectar properties and pollinator assemblages suggests that in the context of pollination, F. persica represents a rather generalistic strategy, and observed differences may be caused by abiotic factors.
Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
Assigned to Editor
Reviewer(s) Assigned
Submission Checks Completed
10 Jul 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Aug 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor