Techniques for Pollination Biologists

Publication Type:

Book

Authors:

Carol Ann Kearns; David William Inouye

Source:

University Press of Colorado, Boulder, CO, p.586 pp. (1993)

Call Number:

B93KEA01IDUS

Keywords:

chromatography, floral morphological features, floral physiological features, fluorescence microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, pollination, pollinators

Abstract:

The book contains nine chapters, covering floral morphological and physiological features, plant mating systems, pollinators, and relevant environmental parameters. It incorporates all techniques published in the pollination literature as well as unpublished methods compiled from practicing pollination biologists. The bibliography includes 1,200 references from more than 200 journals, plus books and previously unpublished materials. Appendices list sources for all the equipment and chemicals needed. <br> This book presents the newest techniques such as fluorescence microscopy to examine pollen tubes, high-pressure liquid chromatography for nectar analysis, and using particle counters to count pollen grains and nuclear magnetic resonance for floral odor analysis. Basic techniques are described for labeling plants, manipulating flowers, marking or excluding, and designing simple but elegant experiments with small budgets. The book also examines potential pitfalls for pollination studies and offers cautionary advice about designing and implementing different types of pollination experiments. <br> Book chapter contents include: Introduction, Plants, Flowers, Pollen, Nectar, Mating Systems, Animals, Environmental Measurements for Pollination Studies, and Experimental Considerations. Appendices include: References to the Pollen Literature, Sources of Equipment and Supplies, Chemicals and Stains, Computer Programs, and Glossary.