The mating system of Acrotriche serrulata (Ericaceae)
Melanie Schneemilch A C and Emma Steggles A BA Sansom Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
B Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: melanie.schneemilch@unisa.edu.au
Australian Journal of Botany 58(2) 124-132 https://doi.org/10.1071/BT09174
Submitted: 2 October 2009 Accepted: 11 January 2010 Published: 29 March 2010
Abstract
Controlled pollination experiments were conducted on Acrotriche serrulata R.Br. (Ericaceae) to determine the mating system for this species. Pollen viability and stigma receptivity were investigated to ensure effective timing and sourcing of material for maximum fertilisation. Stigmas were found to be receptive in mature buds, with receptivity maintained while nectar remained within the corolla tube. Germination testing showed that pollen from within mature buds was viable. The mating system of A. serrulata was found to be predominantly outcrossing, with 49.8% of cross-pollinated flowers developing to fruit, compared with 8.7% of self-pollinated flowers. Seed viability did not differ significantly between fruits produced by cross-pollination and those produced by self-pollination, although this may be attributable to low sample sizes available for self-pollinated fruits. These results in combination with morphological features of the flower suggest that a pollinator is required for this species.
Acknowledgements
Thanks go to the Nature Foundation of South Australia for providing funding for the study. Michael Kokkinn, Craig Williams and Leanne Pound provided invaluable aid, advice and support. Many thanks go to Julie Riordan for assistance with exclosures.
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