Exploring the Role of Stigmatic Exudate in the Water Lily (Nymphaceae) Pollination Mechanism Using N. ampla (Salisb. Dc.)

Author

Luis Uribe, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Julie A. Mustard

Second Advisor

Dr. J. Andrew McDonald

Third Advisor

Dr. Rupesh Kariyat

Abstract

Water lilies are the only known plant group that uses hyperactive nectar glands to divest pollinators of their pollen. The nectar in Nymphaea ampla is thought to contain secondary metabolites that increase pollen deposition possibly by modifying pollinator behavior. This was explored utilizing visitation and fecundity data from the field coupled with survival and behavioral experiments in the laboratory. Replacing nectar with water reduced seed set in N. ampla which was attributed to reduced visitation in water-bearing flowers and not to effects on pollinator detention time. Exposure to nectar did not reduce survivability in Apis mellifera. Pollen and nectar foragers of Apis mellifera extend their proboscis to N. ampla nectar in different proportions but the proportions corresponded to the response to 0.1M sucrose in both groups. Neither group drank nectar when presented at the proboscis. Exposure to nectar increased grooming and decreased walking behavior in Apis mellifera suggesting physiological action.

Comments

Copyright 2021 Luis Uribe. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/exploring-role-stigmatic-exudate-water-lily/docview/2640279772/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Uribe, Luis, "Exploring the Role of Stigmatic Exudate in the Water Lily (Nymphaceae) Pollination Mechanism Using N. ampla (Salisb. Dc.)" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 785.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/785