Publication Type:
Journal ArticleSource:
Ecological Entomology, The Royal Entomological Society, Volume 31, Issue 6, p.657–660 (2006)Call Number:
A06LEA01IDUSKeywords:
Lepidium papilliferum, Phyllotreta sp.Abstract:
Insect herbivory directed at flowers can decrease fruit and seed production by decreasing the attractiveness of a damaged flower to potential pollinators, by disrupting the transfer of pollen between pollinators and stigmas, or both. Effects of petal herbivory by a chrysomelid beetle (Phyllotreta sp.) on pollination and seed production in Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae) were examined. Under natural conditions, flowers with a hole chewed in a petal produced fruit and seed at a significantly lower rate than undamaged flowers (44% vs. 80% respectively). However, when damaged and undamaged flowers were hand pollinated, there was no significant difference in fruit or seed set (84% vs. 80% respectively). Petal herbivory in L. papilliferum disrupts the effectiveness of insect-mediated pollination, but it does not physically inhibit pollination or seed production.
Notes:
Reference Code: A06LEA01IDUS
Full Citation: Leavitt, H. and I. C. Robertson. 2006. Petal herbivory by chrysomelid beetles (Phyllotreta sp.) is detrimental to pollination and seed production in Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae). Ecological Entomology, 3(6):657–660.
Location: ELECTRONIC FILE BOTANY: PLANT SPECIES: {Lepidium papilliferum}