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Rodríguez-Castañeda NL, Buide ML, Arista M, Narbona E, Ortiz PL. Pollinator response to yellow UV-patterned versus white UV-patternless flower dimorphism in Anemone palmata. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2024. [PMID: 39222355 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Flower colour polymorphisms are uncommon but widespread among angiosperms and can be maintained by a variety of balancing selection mechanisms. Anemone palmata is mostly yellow-flowered, but white-flowered plants coexist in some populations. We analysed the distribution of colour morphs of A. palmata across its range. We also characterised their colours and compared their vegetative and sexual reproductive traits, pollinator attention and fitness. The range of A. palmata is limited to the Western Mediterranean, while white-flowered plants are restricted to Portugal and SW Spain, where they occur at low proportions. Yellow flowers have a characteristic UV pattern, with a UV-absorbing centre and UV-reflecting periphery, which is absent in the white morph. Colour features of both morphs were highly delineated, making it easy for pollinators to distinguish them. Both morphs were protogynous, with the same duration of sexual stages, and the main floral traits related to pollinator attraction, apart from flower colour, were similar. Hymenoptera and Diptera were the main pollinators, showing preference for the yellow morph, clear partitioning of pollinator groups between the two colour morphs and a marked constancy to flower colour during foraging. Both morphs combined clonal propagation with sexual reproduction, but sexual reproductive potential was lower in white-flowered plants. Finally, female fitness was higher in the yellow morph. Pollinator partitioning and colour constancy could maintain this polymorphism, despite the lower visitation rate and fitness of white-flowered plants, which could facilitate their clonal propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L Rodríguez-Castañeda
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - M L Buide
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - M Arista
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - E Narbona
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - P L Ortiz
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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Yue J, Yan Z, Liu W, Liu J, Yang D. A visual pollination mechanism of a new specialized pollinating weevil-plant reciprocity system. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1432263. [PMID: 39220015 PMCID: PMC11362035 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1432263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Pollinating flower-consuming mutualisms are considered exemplary models for studying coevolution due to their rarity. Visual cues are considered to have a major role in facilitating the evolution of floral patterns in these systems. We present a new specialized pollinating flower-consuming mutualism from the plant Wurfbainia villosa, which is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, by a pollinating weevil, Xenysmoderes sp. Methods In this study, We utilized monochrome plates for binary-choice tests to determine weevil color preferences, conducted behavioral choice experiments, using trackballs, photographed flowers and weevils, and employed blue sticky boards to attract weevils in the field. Results Tests were conducted using colorpreferring weevils in both indoor and outdoor field systems, and validation experiments were performed. Behavioral tests were conducted to investigate the role of the visual cues in the pollinator attraction of W. villosa, which is a selfcompatible insect-pollinated plant that relies primarily on the Xenysmoderes sp. weevil for pollination due to its specialized gynandrium-like structure. Behavioral tests demonstrated that a blue color wavelength of 480 nm and the blue color system, as along with the UV-style pattern of the flowers, particularly the parts with specialized gynandrium-like structures in the labellum, were significantly attractive to both male and female weevils. These results were further confirmed through the field blue sticky board trap method. Discussion These findings indicated that the interaction between W. villosa and Xenysmoderes sp. weevil was a novel symbiotic relationship involving pollinator flower consumption. Additionally, Wurfbainia villosa flowers developed specific visual cues of UV patterns and specialized structures that played a crucial role in attracting pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Yue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Traditional Dai-Thai Medicine, West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Jinghong, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development Yunnan Branch, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Jinghong, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Traditional Dai-Thai Medicine, West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Jinghong, China
| | - Ju Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Depo Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Transcriptome Analysis of Key Genes Involved in Color Variation between Blue and White Flowers of Iris bulleyana. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:7407772. [PMID: 36714023 PMCID: PMC9876678 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7407772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Iris bulleyana Dykes (Southwest iris) is an extensively distributed Iridaceae species with blue or white flowers. Hereby, we performed a systematic study, employing metabolomics and transcriptomics to uncover the subtle color differentiation from blue to white in Southwest iris. Fresh flower buds from both cultivars were subjected to flavonoid/anthocyanin and carotenoid-targeted metabolomics along with transcriptomic sequencing. Among 297 flavonoids, 24 anthocyanins were identified, and 13 showed a strong down-accumulation pattern in the white flowers compared to the blue flowers. Significant downregulation of 3GT and 5GT genes involved in the glycosylation of anthocyanins was predicted to hinder the accumulation of anthocyanins, resulting in white coloration. Besides, no significant altered accumulation of carotenoids and expression of their biosynthetic genes was observed between the two cultivars. Our study systematically addressed the color differentiation in I. bulleyana flowers, which can aid future breeding programs.
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Martínez-Harms J, Guerrero PC, Martínez-Harms MJ, Poblete N, González K, Stavenga DG, Vorobyev M. Mechanisms of flower coloring and eco-evolutionary implications of massive blooming events in the Atacama Desert. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.957318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth, holds a rich biodiversity that becomes most appreciable in years when unusual rainfall accumulation triggers a phenomenon of explosive development of ephemeral herbaceous and woody desert species known as “desierto florido” or “blooming desert.” Despite the scientific importance of this unique phenomenon only few studies have addressed the mechanisms of flower phenotypic divergence under the fluctuating environment provided by this recurrent event. We investigated the mechanisms of floral color diversity in Cistanthe longiscapa (Montiaceae), a dominant species across the ephemeral blooming landscape of Atacama Desert. Our analyses show that the variation in colors of C. longiscapa flowers result from petals containing betalain pigments with different absorption spectra. The different pigment composition of petals causes flower color differences in the visible and ultraviolet (UV) range of the spectrum. Through color vision models we show that C. longiscapa flowers are highly polymorphic in their color appearance for insect pollinators. Our results highlight the variable nature in flower color of C. longiscapa varieties blooming simultaneously in a geographical restricted area. Given the importance of color in attracting floral visitors, the observed color variability could contribute to increased cross pollination in extreme desert conditions, while accounting for complex and fluctuating histories of plant-pollinator interactions.
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5
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Huang L, Liu Y, Dou L, Pan S, Li Z, Zhang J, Li J. Mutualist- and antagonist-mediated selection contribute to trait diversification of flowers. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14107. [PMID: 36196403 PMCID: PMC9527018 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Flowers are generally short-lived, and they all face a multidimensional challenge because they have to attract mutualists, compel them to vector pollen with minimal investment in rewards, and repel floral enemies during this short time window. Their displays are under complex selection, either consistent or conflicting, to maximize reproductive fitness under heterogeneous environments. The phenological or morphological mismatches between flowers and visitors will influence interspecific competition, resource access, mating success and, ultimately, population and community dynamics. To better understand the effects of the plant visitors on floral traits, it is necessary to determine the functional significance of specific floral traits for the visitors; how plants respond to both mutualists and antagonists through adaptive changes; and to evaluate the net fitness effects of biological mutualisms and antagonism on plants. In this review, we bring together insights from fields as diverse as floral biology, insect behavioral responses, and evolutionary biology to explain the processes and patterns of floral diversity evolution. Then, we discuss the ecological significance of plant responses to mutualists and antagonists from a community perspective, and propose a set of research questions that can guide the research field to integrate studies of plant defense and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Huang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Liwen Dou
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shaobin Pan
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | | | - Jin Zhang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jia Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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León‐Osper M, Narbona E. Unravelling the mystery of red flowers in the Mediterranean Basin: How to be conspicuous in a place dominated by hymenopteran pollinators. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa León‐Osper
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide Sevilla España
| | - Eduardo Narbona
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide Sevilla España
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7
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Narbona E, del Valle JC, Arista M, Buide ML, Ortiz PL. Major Flower Pigments Originate Different Colour Signals to Pollinators. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.743850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Flower colour is mainly due to the presence and type of pigments. Pollinator preferences impose selection on flower colour that ultimately acts on flower pigments. Knowing how pollinators perceive flowers with different pigments becomes crucial for a comprehensive understanding of plant-pollinator communication and flower colour evolution. Based on colour space models, we studied whether main groups of pollinators, specifically hymenopterans, dipterans, lepidopterans and birds, differentially perceive flower colours generated by major pigment groups. We obtain reflectance data and conspicuousness to pollinators of flowers containing one of the pigment groups more frequent in flowers: chlorophylls, carotenoids and flavonoids. Flavonoids were subsequently classified in UV-absorbing flavonoids, aurones-chalcones and the anthocyanins cyanidin, pelargonidin, delphinidin, and malvidin derivatives. We found that flower colour loci of chlorophylls, carotenoids, UV-absorbing flavonoids, aurones-chalcones, and anthocyanins occupied different regions of the colour space models of these pollinators. The four groups of anthocyanins produced a unique cluster of colour loci. Interestingly, differences in colour conspicuousness among the pigment groups were almost similar in the bee, fly, butterfly, and bird visual space models. Aurones-chalcones showed the highest chromatic contrast values, carotenoids displayed intermediate values, and chlorophylls, UV-absorbing flavonoids and anthocyanins presented the lowest values. In the visual model of bees, flowers with UV-absorbing flavonoids (i.e., white flowers) generated the highest achromatic contrasts. Ours findings suggest that in spite of the almost omnipresence of floral anthocyanins in angiosperms, carotenoids and aurones-chalcones generates higher colour conspicuousness for main functional groups of pollinators.
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8
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Coetzee A, Seymour CL, Spottiswoode CN. Facilitation and competition shape a geographical mosaic of flower colour polymorphisms. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anina Coetzee
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa
| | - Colleen L. Seymour
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa
- South African National Biodiversity InstituteKirstenbosch Research Centre Claremont South Africa
| | - Claire N. Spottiswoode
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
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9
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Roguz K, Hill L, Koethe S, Lunau K, Roguz A, Zych M. Visibility and attractiveness of Fritillaria (Liliaceae) flowers to potential pollinators. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11006. [PMID: 34040041 PMCID: PMC8155214 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90140-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual floral characters play an important role in shaping plant-pollinator interactions. The genus Fritillaria L. (Liliaceae), comprising approximately 140 species, is described as displaying a remarkable variety of flower colours and sizes. Despite this variation in visual floral traits of fritillaries, little is known about the potential role of these features in shaping plant-pollinator interactions. Here, we seek to clarify the role of visual attraction in species offering a robust food reward for pollinators early in the spring, which is the case for Fritillaria. We also searched for potential tendencies in the evolution of floral traits crucial for plant-pollinator communication. The generality of species with green and purple flowers may indicate an influence of environmental factors other than pollinators. The flowers of the studied species seem to be visible but not very visually attractive to potential pollinators. The food rewards are hidden within the nodding perianth, and both traits are conserved among fritillaries. Additionally, visual floral traits are not good predictors of nectar properties. When in the flowers, pollinators are navigated by nectar guides in the form of contrasting nectary area colouration. Flower colour does not serve as a phenotypic filter against illegitimate pollinators-red and orange bird-pollinated fritillaries are visible to bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Roguz
- Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | | | - Sebastian Koethe
- Institute of Sensory Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Klaus Lunau
- Institute of Sensory Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Agata Roguz
- National Information Processing Institute, Al. Niepodległości 188 B, 00-608, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Marcin Zych
- Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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10
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Kurata S, Sakaguchi S, Mishima H, Tsuchimatsu T, Ito M. Development and characterization of nuclear microsatellite markers to reveal the neutral demographic background of flower color polymorphism in Geranium thunbergii (Geraniaceae). Genes Genet Syst 2021; 96:99-104. [PMID: 33883325 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.20-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear microsatellite markers were developed for Geranium thunbergii, an herbaceous plant characterized by petal color polymorphism. Utilizing RNA sequencing data obtained by next-generation sequencing techniques, we developed and characterized 19 polymorphic microsatellite markers with two to 12 alleles in the nuclear genome. These markers will be used to reveal the genetic structure and demographic history of G. thunbergii in the Japanese archipelago, which will elucidate the genetic background of flower color polymorphism among populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seikan Kurata
- Department of General Systems Studies, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo
| | - Shota Sakaguchi
- Department Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University
| | - Hitomi Mishima
- Department of General Systems Studies, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo
| | - Takashi Tsuchimatsu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo
| | - Motomi Ito
- Department of General Systems Studies, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo
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11
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Sobral M, Neylan IP, Narbona E, Dirzo R. Transgenerational Plasticity in Flower Color Induced by Caterpillars. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:617815. [PMID: 33790921 PMCID: PMC8006444 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.617815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Variation in flower color due to transgenerational plasticity could stem directly from abiotic or biotic environmental conditions. Finding a link between biotic ecological interactions across generations and plasticity in flower color would indicate that transgenerational effects of ecological interactions, such as herbivory, might be involved in flower color evolution. We conducted controlled experiments across four generations of wild radish (Raphanus sativus, Brassicaceae) plants to explore whether flower color is influenced by herbivory, and to determine whether flower color is associated with transgenerational chromatin modifications. We found transgenerational effects of herbivory on flower color, partly related to chromatin modifications. Given the presence of herbivory in plant populations worldwide, our results are of broad significance and contribute to our understanding of flower color evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Sobral
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, USC, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Isabelle P. Neylan
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eduardo Narbona
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Dirzo
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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12
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Buide ML, Del Valle JC, Prado-Comesaña A, Narbona E. The effects of pollination, herbivory and autonomous selfing on the maintenance of flower colour variation in Silenelittorea. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2021; 23:275-284. [PMID: 33179369 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Intraspecific flower colour variation has been generally proposed to evolve as a result of selection driven by biotic or abiotic agents. In a polymorphic population of Silene littorea with pink- and white-flowered plants, we studied pollinators, analysed flower colour perception and tested for differences in pollinator visitation. We also experimentally analysed pollinator limitation in fruit and seed set, and the degree of autonomous selfing. The incidence of florivory and leaf herbivory was compared over 3-4 years. Silene littorea is mainly pollinated by bees and butterflies. Pollinators preferred pink flowers, which did not show pollinator limitation. On the contrary, white flowers showed pollinator limitation in fruit set. White-flowered plants had less floral display and higher levels of florivory than pink plants. Flower colour morphs of S. littorea can reproduce in the absence of pollinators by autonomous selfing, setting 20% and 12% of fruit and seeds in the pink morph and 27% and 20% in the white morph, respectively. Fruit set of white flowers produced by autonomous selfing did not differ from open-pollinated flowers. In conclusion, S. littorea is pollinated by insects of different orders that more frequently visit pink flowers, which is reflected in pollinator limitation of fruit set in white flowers. Moreover, this species has a mixed mating system in which both colour morphs can reproduce in the absence of pollinators by autonomous selfing, although white flowers mainly produce fruits by autogamy. We suggest that reproductive assurance by autonomous selfing helps to maintain flower colour polymorphism in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Buide
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
| | - J C Del Valle
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
| | - A Prado-Comesaña
- Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - E Narbona
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
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13
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Sapir Y, Gallagher MK, Senden E. What Maintains Flower Colour Variation within Populations? Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:507-519. [PMID: 33663870 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Natural selection acts on phenotypic trait variation. Understanding the mechanisms that create and maintain trait variation is fundamental to understanding the breadth of diversity seen on Earth. Flower colour is among the most conspicuous and highly diverse traits in nature. Most flowering plant populations have uniform floral colours, but a minority exhibit within-population colour variation, either discrete (polymorphic) or continuous. Colour variation is commonly maintained by balancing selection through multiple pollinators, opposing selection regimes, or fluctuating selection. Variation can also be maintained by heterozygote advantage or frequency-dependent selection. Neutral processes, or a lack of selection, may maintain variation, although this remains largely untested. We suggest several prospective research directions that may provide insight into the evolutionary drivers of trait variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Sapir
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - M Kate Gallagher
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Esther Senden
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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14
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Sánchez-Cabrera M, Jiménez-López FJ, Narbona E, Arista M, Ortiz PL, Romero-Campero FJ, Ramanauskas K, Igić B, Fuller AA, Whittall JB. Changes at a Critical Branchpoint in the Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Pathway Underlie the Blue to Orange Flower Color Transition in Lysimachia arvensis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:633979. [PMID: 33692818 PMCID: PMC7937975 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.633979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Anthocyanins are the primary pigments contributing to the variety of flower colors among angiosperms and are considered essential for survival and reproduction. Anthocyanins are members of the flavonoids, a broader class of secondary metabolites, of which there are numerous structural genes and regulators thereof. In western European populations of Lysimachia arvensis, there are blue- and orange-petaled individuals. The proportion of blue-flowered plants increases with temperature and daylength yet decreases with precipitation. Here, we performed a transcriptome analysis to characterize the coding sequences of a large group of flavonoid biosynthetic genes, examine their expression and compare our results to flavonoid biochemical analysis for blue and orange petals. Among a set of 140 structural and regulatory genes broadly representing the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, we found 39 genes with significant differential expression including some that have previously been reported to be involved in similar flower color transitions. In particular, F3'5'H and DFR, two genes at a critical branchpoint in the ABP for determining flower color, showed differential expression. The expression results were complemented by careful examination of the SNPs that differentiate the two color types for these two critical genes. The decreased expression of F3'5'H in orange petals and differential expression of two distinct copies of DFR, which also exhibit amino acid changes in the color-determining substrate specificity region, strongly correlate with the blue to orange transition. Our biochemical analysis was consistent with the transcriptome data indicating that the shift from blue to orange petals is caused by a change from primarily malvidin to largely pelargonidin forms of anthocyanins. Overall, we have identified several flavonoid biosynthetic pathway loci likely involved in the shift in flower color in L. arvensis and even more loci that may represent the complex network of genetic and physiological consequences of this flower color polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Sánchez-Cabrera
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Narbona
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
| | - Montserrat Arista
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Pedro L. Ortiz
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Romero-Campero
- Institute for Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis, University of Seville – Centro Superior de Investigación Científica, Seville, Spain
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Karolis Ramanauskas
- Department of Biological Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Boris Igić
- Department of Biological Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amelia A. Fuller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United States
| | - Justen B. Whittall
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United States
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Basist G, Dyer AG, Garcia JE, Raleigh RE, Lawrie AC. Why Variation in Flower Color May Help Reproductive Success in the Endangered Australian Orchid Caladenia fulva. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:599874. [PMID: 33633758 PMCID: PMC7899986 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.599874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Caladenia fulva G.W. Carr (Tawny Spider-orchid) is a terrestrial Australian endangered orchid confined to contiguous reserves in open woodland in Victoria, Australia. Natural recruitment is poor and no confirmed pollinator has been observed in the last 30 years. Polymorphic variation in flower color complicates plans for artificial pollination, seed collection and ex situ propagation for augmentation or re-introduction. DNA sequencing showed that there was no distinction among color variants in the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the chloroplast trnT-trnF and matK regions. Also, authentic specimens of both C. fulva and Caladenia reticulata from the reserves clustered along with these variants, suggesting free interbreeding. Artificial cross-pollination in situ and assessment of seed viability further suggested that no fertility barriers existed among color variants. Natural fruit set was 15% of the population and was proportional to numbers of the different flower colors but varied with orchid patch within the population. Color modeling on spectral data suggested that a hymenopteran pollinator could discriminate visually among color variants. The similarity in fruiting success, however, suggests that flower color polymorphism may avoid pollinator habituation to specific non-rewarding flower colors. The retention of large brightly colored flowers suggests that C. fulva has maintained attractiveness to foraging insects rather than evolving to match a scarce unreliable hymenopteran sexual pollinator. These results suggest that C. fulva should be recognized as encompassing plants with these multiple flower colors, and artificial pollination should use all variants to conserve the biodiversity of the extant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Basist
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Adrian G. Dyer
- Bio-inspired Digital Sensing Lab, School of Media and Communication, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jair E. Garcia
- Bio-inspired Digital Sensing Lab, School of Media and Communication, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ruth E. Raleigh
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, South Yarra, VIC, Australia
| | - Ann C. Lawrie
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Narbona E, Arista M, Whittall JB, Camargo MGG, Shrestha M. Editorial: The Role of Flower Color in Angiosperm Evolution. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:736998. [PMID: 34603361 PMCID: PMC8484755 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.736998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Narbona
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
- *Correspondence: Eduardo Narbona
| | - Montserrat Arista
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Justen B. Whittall
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United States
| | - Maria Gabriela Gutierrez Camargo
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Animal Interactions, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Mani Shrestha
- Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- School of Media and Communication, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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17
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Rodríguez-Castañeda NL, Ortiz PL, Arista M, Narbona E, Buide ML. Indirect Selection on Flower Color in Silene littorea. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:588383. [PMID: 33424884 PMCID: PMC7785944 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.588383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Flower color, as other floral traits, may suffer conflicting selective pressures mediated by both mutualists and antagonists. The maintenance of intraspecific flower color variability has been usually explained as a result of direct selection by biotic agents. However, flower color might also be under indirect selection through correlated traits, since correlations among flower traits are frequent. In this study, we aimed to find out how flower color variability is maintained in two nearby populations of Silene littorea that consistently differ in the proportions of white-flowered plants. To do that, we assessed natural selection on floral color and correlated traits by means of phenotypic selection analysis and path analysis. Strong directional selection on floral display and flower production was found in both populations through either male or female fitness. Flower color had a negative indirect effect on the total male and female fitness in Melide population, as plants with lighter corollas produced more flowers. In contrast, in Barra population, plants with darker corollas produced more flowers and have darker calices, which in turn were selected. Our results suggest that the prevalence of white-flowered plants in Melide and pink-flowered plants in Barra is a result of indirect selection through correlated flower traits and not a result of direct selection of either pollinators or herbivores on color.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro L. Ortiz
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Montserrat Arista
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Eduardo Narbona
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Mª Luisa Buide
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
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18
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Jiménez-López FJ, Ortiz PL, Talavera M, Arista M. Reproductive Assurance Maintains Red-Flowered Plants of Lysimachia arvensis in Mediterranean Populations Despite Inbreeding Depression. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:563110. [PMID: 33324430 PMCID: PMC7725749 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.563110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Flower color polymorphism, an infrequent but phylogenetically widespread condition in plants, is captivating because it can only be maintained under a few selective regimes but also because it can drive intra-morph assortative mating and promote speciation. Lysimachia arvensis is a polymorphic species with red or blue flowered morphs. In polymorphic populations, which are mostly Mediterranean, pollinators prefer blue-flowered plants to the red ones, and abiotic factors also favors blue-flowered plants. We hypothesize that the red morph is maintained in Mediterranean areas due to its selfing capacity. We assessed inbreeding depression in both color morphs in two Mediterranean populations and genetic diversity was studied via SSR microsatellites in 20 natural populations. Results showed that only 44-47% of selfed progeny of the red plants reached reproduction while about 72-91% of blue morph progeny did it. Between-morph genetic differentiation was high and the red morph had a lower genetic diversity and a higher inbreeding coefficient, mainly in the Mediterranean. Results suggest that selfing maintaining the red morph in Mediterranean areas despite its inbreeding depression. In addition, genetic differentiation between morphs suggests a low gene flow between them, suggesting reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Jiménez-López
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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Ortiz PL, Fernández‐Díaz P, Pareja D, Escudero M, Arista M. Do visual traits honestly signal floral rewards at community level? Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro L. Ortiz
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología Universidad de Sevilla Sevilla Spain
| | - Pilar Fernández‐Díaz
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología Universidad de Sevilla Sevilla Spain
| | - Daniel Pareja
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología Universidad de Sevilla Sevilla Spain
| | - Marcial Escudero
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología Universidad de Sevilla Sevilla Spain
| | - Montserrat Arista
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología Universidad de Sevilla Sevilla Spain
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20
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Johnson SD, von Witt CG, Anderson B. Floral Color Variation in Drosera cistiflora Is Associated With Switches in Beetle Pollinator Assemblages. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:606259. [PMID: 33312188 PMCID: PMC7704453 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.606259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Floral color shifts are thought to be one of the most common evolutionary transitions in plants, and pollinators are often proposed as important selective agents driving these transitions. However, shifts in flower color can also be related to neutral genetic processes or pleiotropy linked with selection via other biotic agents or abiotic factors. Here we ask whether abiotic factors or pollinators provide the best explanation for divergence in flower color among populations of the sundew Drosera cistiflora s.l. (Droseraceae). This species complex in the Greater Cape Floristic Region contains at least five distinctive floral color forms. Abiotic factors do not appear to play a significant role in color determination, as the forms are not specific to a single soil or vegetation type, sometimes co-occur in the same habitat, and maintain their color traits in common-garden and soil switching experiments. Instead, we found strong associations between flower color and the composition of pollinator assemblages which are dominated by hopliine scarab beetles. Pollinator assemblages show geographical structuring, both within and among color forms. This makes it difficult to dissect the roles of geography versus floral traits in explaining pollinator assemblages, but strong pollinator partitioning among color forms at sites where they are sympatric indicates that pollinators may select strongly on color. These results suggest that beetle pollinators are a significant factor in the evolution of D. cistiflora s.l. flower color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D. Johnson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Caitlin G. von Witt
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Bruce Anderson
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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21
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Agostini M, Hininger-Favier I, Marcourt L, Boucherle B, Gao B, Hybertson BM, Bose SK, McCord JM, Millery A, Rome M, Ferreira Queiroz E, Wolfender JL, Gallet C, Boumendjel A. Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of Helianthemum nummularium, a High-Altitude Growing Alpine Plant Overrepresented in Ungulates Diets. PLANTA MEDICA 2020; 86:1185-1190. [PMID: 32645735 DOI: 10.1055/a-1197-2898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Helianthemum nummularium is a European shrub growing at high altitude where it copes with a high level of stress. It was found to be overexpressed in ungulates diets compared to more abundant surrounding plants. These elements combined with the fact that H. nummularium from the Alps has never been investigated prompted us to study the phytochemical composition of its aerial parts. The analysis of the polar extract allowed for the isolation of eight compounds: p-hydroxybenzoic acid, tiliroside, kaempferol, astragalin, quercetin, plantainoside B, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, and quercetin-3-O-glucuronide. We investigated the effect of the polar extract and isolated compounds on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 transcription factor, which regulates the expression of a wide variety of cytoprotective genes. We found that the ethanolic extract activates the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the pure compounds were much less active. The activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway by the plant extract could pave the way for studies to promote healthy aging through protection of cells against oxidative stress. Moreover, the isolated compounds could be investigated alone or in combination in the perspective of making the link between the ungulate's preference for this plant and possible use of it for self-medication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabelle Hininger-Favier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, LBFA, Grenoble, France
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Laurence Marcourt
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EPGL, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Bifeng Gao
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Pathways Bioscience, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | | | | | - Annie Millery
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, Grenoble, France
| | - Maxime Rome
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, SAJF, Grenoble, France
| | - Emerson Ferreira Queiroz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EPGL, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EPGL, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Gallet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, Grenoble, France
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22
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von Witt CG, Anderson B, Durbach IN, Johnson SD. Breeding systems of floral colour forms in the Drosera cistiflora species complex. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2020; 22:992-1001. [PMID: 33448582 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Variation in plant breeding systems has implications for pollinator-mediated selection on floral traits and the ecology of populations. Here we evaluate pollinator contribution to seed production, self-compatibility and pollen limitation in different floral colour forms of Drosera cistiflora sensu lato (Droseraceae). These insectivorous perennial plants are endemic to fynbos and renosterveld vegetation in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, and the species complex includes five floral colour forms (pink, purple, red, white and yellow), some of which are known to be pollinated by beetles. Controlled hand-pollination experiments were conducted in 15 populations of D. cistiflora s.l. (two to four populations per floral colour form) to test whether the colour forms vary in their degree of self-compatibility and their ability to produce seeds through autonomous self-fertilization. Yellow-flowered forms were highly self-incompatible, while other floral colour forms exhibited partial self-compatibility. Seed set resulting from autonomous selfing was very low, and pollinator dependence indices were high in all populations. Since hand cross-pollination resulted in greater seed set than open pollination in 13 of the 15 populations, we inferred that seed production is generally pollen-limited. Drosera cistiflora s.l. typically exhibits high levels of pollinator dependence and pollen limitation. This is unusual among Drosera species worldwide and suggests that pollinators are likely to mediate strong selection on attractive traits such as floral colour and size in D. cistiflora s.l. These results also suggest that the floral colour forms of D. cistiflora s.l. which are rare and threatened are likely to be vulnerable to local extinction if mutualisms were to collapse indefinitely.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G von Witt
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - B Anderson
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
| | - I N Durbach
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
- Centre for Statistics in Ecology, the Environment, and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - S D Johnson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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Roguz K, Gallagher MK, Senden E, Bar-Lev Y, Lebel M, Heliczer R, Sapir Y. All the Colors of the Rainbow: Diversification of Flower Color and Intraspecific Color Variation in the Genus Iris. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:569811. [PMID: 33154761 PMCID: PMC7588356 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.569811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Floral color plays a key role as visual signaling and is therefore of great importance in shaping plant-pollinator interactions. Iris (Iridaceae), a genus comprising over 300 species and named after the Greek goddess of the colorful rainbow, is famous for its dazzling palette of flower colors and patterns, which vary considerably both within and among species. Despite the large variation of flower color in Iris, little is known about the phylogenetic and ecological contexts of floral color. Here, we seek to resolve the evolution of flower color in the genus Iris in a macroevolutionary framework. We used a phylogenetic analysis to reconstruct the ancestral state of flower color and other pollination-related traits (e.g., the presence of nectar and mating system), and also tracked the evolution of color variation. We further explored weather floral trait transitions are better explained by environmental or pollinator-mediated selection. Our study revealed that the most recent common ancestor likely had monomorphic, purple flowers, with a crest and a spot on the fall. The flowers were likely insect-pollinated, nectar-rewarding, and self-compatible. The diversity of floral traits we see in modern irises, likely represents a trade-off between conflicting selection pressures. Whether shifts in these flower traits result from abiotic or biotic selective agents or are maintained by neutral processes without any selection remains an open question. Our analysis serves as a starting point for future work exploring the genetic and physiological mechanisms controlling flower coloration in the most color-diverse genus Iris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Roguz
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M. Kate Gallagher
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Esther Senden
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yamit Bar-Lev
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Merav Lebel
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roni Heliczer
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yuval Sapir
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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24
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Dafni A, Tzohari H, Ben-Shlomo R, Vereecken NJ, Ne’eman G. Flower Colour Polymorphism, Pollination Modes, Breeding System and Gene Flow in Anemone coronaria. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E397. [PMID: 32210122 PMCID: PMC7154818 DOI: 10.3390/plants9030397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The flower colour of Anemone coronaria (Ranunculaceae) is a genetically inherited trait. Such intra-specific flower colour polymorphism might be driven by pollinators, other non-pollinating agents, or by abiotic factors. We investigated the genetic relations among red, white and purple-blue flower colour morphs growing in 10 populations of A. coronaria in Israel, in relation to their breeding system, pollination modes, differential perception by bees and visitors' behaviour. Flowers of these three morphs differed in their reflectance that could be perceived by bees. Honeybees, solitary bees and flies demonstrated only partial preferences for the different colour morphs. No spontaneous self-pollination was found; however, fruit set under nets, excluding insects but allowing wind pollination, was not significantly lower than that of natural free pollinated flowers, indicating a potential role of wind pollination. Anemone coronaria flowers were visited by various insects, honeybees and Andrena sp. preferred the white and purple-blue morphs, while the syrphid flies preferred the white flowers. Thus, visitor behaviour can only partially explain the evolution or maintenance of the colour polymorphism. No significant genetic differences were found among the populations or colour morphs. Wind pollination, causing random gene flow, may explain why no significant genetic divergence was found among all studied populations and their colour morphs. The existence of monomorphic red populations, along other polymorphic populations, might be explained by linked resistance to aridity and/or grazing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amots Dafni
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
| | - Hagai Tzohari
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
| | - Rachel Ben-Shlomo
- Department of Biology and Environment University of Haifa-Oranim, Tivon 36006, Israel;
| | - Nicolas J. Vereecken
- Agroecology & Pollination Group, Landscape Ecology & Plant Production Systems, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe CP 264/2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Gidi Ne’eman
- Department of Biology and Environment University of Haifa-Oranim, Tivon 36006, Israel;
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25
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Brunet J, Flick AJ, Bauer AA. Phenotypic Selection on Flower Color and Floral Display Size by Three Bee Species. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:587528. [PMID: 33519846 PMCID: PMC7840534 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.587528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Plants exhibit a wide array of floral forms and pollinators can act as agent of selection on floral traits. Two trends have emerged from recent reviews of pollinator-mediated selection in plants. First, pollinator-mediated selection on plant-level attractants such as floral display size is stronger than on flower-level attractant such as flower color. Second, when comparing plant species, distinct pollinators can exert different selection patterns on floral traits. In addition, many plant species are visited by a diverse array of pollinators but very few studies have examined selection by distinct pollinators. In the current study, we examined phenotypic selection on flower color and floral display size by three distinct bee species, the European honey bee, Apis mellifera, the common eastern bumble bee, Bombus impatiens, and the alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata, foraging on Medicago sativa. To estimate phenotypic selection by each bee species and for all bees combined simultaneously and on the same group of plants, we introduce a new method that combines pollinator visitation data to seed set and floral trait measurements data typical of phenotypic selection study. When comparing floral traits, all bee species selected on the number of racemes per stem and the number of stems per plant, two components of floral display size. However, only leafcutting bees selected on hue or flower color and only bumble bees selected on chroma or darkness of flowers. Selection on chroma occurred via correlational selection between chroma and number of open flowers per raceme and we examine how correlational selection may facilitate the evolution of flower color in plant populations. When comparing bee species, the three bee species exerted similar selection pattern on some floral traits but different patterns on other floral traits and differences in selection patterns were observed between flower-level and plant-level attractants. The trends detected were consistent with previous studies and we advocate the approach introduced here for future studies examining the impact of distinct pollinators on floral trait evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Brunet
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Johanne Brunet,
| | - Andrew J. Flick
- Agricultural Research Service Research Participation Program – Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Austin A. Bauer
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
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26
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Del Valle JC, Alcalde-Eon C, Escribano-Bailón MT, Buide ML, Whittall JB, Narbona E. Stability of petal color polymorphism: the significance of anthocyanin accumulation in photosynthetic tissues. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:496. [PMID: 31726989 PMCID: PMC6854811 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-2082-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthocyanins are the primary source of colour in flowers and also accumulate in vegetative tissues, where they have multiple protective roles traditionally attributed to early compounds of the metabolic pathway (flavonols, flavones, etc.). Petal-specific loss of anthocyanins in petals allows plants to escape from the negative pleiotropic effects of flavonoid and anthocyanins loss in vegetative organs, where they perform a plethora of essential functions. Herein, we investigate the degree of pleiotropy at the biochemical scale in a pink-white flower colour polymorphism in the shore campion, Silene littorea. We report the frequencies of pink and white individuals across 21 populations and underlying biochemical profiles of three flower colour variants: anthocyanins present in all tissues (pink petals), petal-specific loss of anthocyanins (white petals), and loss of anthocyanins in all tissues (white petals). RESULTS Individuals lacking anthocyanins only in petals represent a stable polymorphism in two populations at the northern edge of the species range (mean frequency 8-21%). Whereas, individuals lacking anthocyanins in the whole plant were found across the species range, yet always at very low frequencies (< 1%). Biochemically, the flavonoids detected were anthocyanins and flavones; in pigmented individuals, concentrations of flavones were 14-56× higher than anthocyanins across tissues with differences of > 100× detected in leaves. Loss of anthocyanin pigmentation, either in petals or in the whole plant, does not influence the ability of these phenotypes to synthesize flavones, and this pattern was congruent among all sampled populations. CONCLUSIONS We found that all colour variants showed similar flavone profiles, either in petals or in the whole plant, and only the flower colour variant with anthocyanins in photosynthetic tissues persists as a stable flower colour polymorphism. These findings suggest that anthocyanins in photosynthetic tissues, not flavonoid intermediates, are the targets of non-pollinator mediated selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Del Valle
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013, Seville, Spain.
| | - Cristina Alcalde-Eon
- Grupo de Investigación en Polifenoles (GIP), University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Mª Luisa Buide
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Justen B Whittall
- Department of Biology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, 95053, USA
| | - Eduardo Narbona
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013, Seville, Spain
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27
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Color preference and spatial distribution of glaphyrid beetles suggest a key role in the maintenance of the color polymorphism in the peacock anemone (Anemone pavonina, Ranunculaceae) in Northern Greece. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2019; 205:735-743. [DOI: 10.1007/s00359-019-01360-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Ojeda F, Midgley J, Pauw A, Lavola A, Casimiro-Soriguer R, Hattas D, Segarra-Moragues JG, Julkunen-Tiitto R. Flower colour divergence is associated with post-fire regeneration dimorphism in the fynbos heath Erica coccinea subsp. coccinea (Ericaceae). Evol Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-019-09985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG. Vividly coloured poppy flowers due to dense pigmentation and strong scattering in thin petals. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2019; 205:363-372. [PMID: 30689019 PMCID: PMC6579775 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-018-01313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The flowers of poppies (Papaveraceae) exhibit bright colours, despite their thin and floppy petals. We investigated the optical properties of flowers of Papaver rhoeas, P. dubium, Meconopsis cambrica and Argemone polyanthemos using a combined approach of anatomy, spectrophotometry and optical modelling. The petals of Papaver flowers are composed of only three cell layers, an upper and lower epidermal layer, which are densely filled with pigment, and an unpigmented mesophyll layer. Dense pigmentation together with strong scattering structures, composed of serpentine cell walls and air cavities, cause the striking poppy colours. We discuss how various aspects of the optical signal contribute to the flower's visibility to pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper J van der Kooi
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Doekele G Stavenga
- Computational Physics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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van der Kooi CJ, Dyer AG, Kevan PG, Lunau K. Functional significance of the optical properties of flowers for visual signalling. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2019; 123:263-276. [PMID: 29982325 PMCID: PMC6344213 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcy119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flower coloration is a key enabler for pollinator attraction. Floral visual signals comprise several components that are generated by specific anatomical structures and pigmentation, and often have different functions in pollinator attraction. Anatomical studies have advanced our understanding of the optical properties of flowers, and evidence from behavioural experiments has elucidated the biological relevance of different components of floral visual signals, but these two lines of research are often considered independently. SCOPE Here, we review current knowledge about different aspects of the floral visual signals, their anatomical and optical properties, and their functional significance in plant-pollinator visual signalling. We discuss common aspects, such as chromatic and achromatic contrast, hue, saturation and brightness, as well as less common types of visual signals, including gloss, fluorescence, polarization and iridescence in the context of salience of floral colour signals and their evolution, and highlight promising avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper J van der Kooi
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
- For correspondence. E-mail
| | - Adrian G Dyer
- School of Media and Communication, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter G Kevan
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Klaus Lunau
- Institute of Sensory Ecology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Dusseldorf, Germany
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31
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Koski MH, Galloway LF. Geographic variation in pollen color is associated with temperature stress. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2018; 218:370-379. [PMID: 29297201 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of flower color, especially petal pigmentation, has received substantial attention. Less understood is the evolutionary ecology of pollen pigmentation, though it varies among and within species and its biochemical properties affect pollen viability. We characterize the distribution of pollen color across 24 populations of the North American herb Campanula americana, and assess the degree to which this variation is genetically based. We identify abiotic factors that covary with pollen color and test whether germination of light and dark pollen is differentially affected by variable temperature and UV. Pollen color varies from white to deep purple in C. americana and is genetically determined. There was a longitudinal cline whereby pollen was darkest in western populations. Accounting for latitudinal variation, western populations experience elevated temperature and UV irradiance. Germination of light-colored pollen was reduced by 60% under high temperature, but dark pollen was unaffected. Exposure to UV reduced germination of light and dark pollen similarly. The cline in pollen color across the range may reflect adaptation to heat stress. This study supports thermal tolerance as a novel function of pollen pigmentation and contributes to growing evidence that abiotic factors can drive floral diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H Koski
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Laura F Galloway
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
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Del Valle JC, Gallardo-López A, Buide ML, Whittall JB, Narbona E. Digital photography provides a fast, reliable, and noninvasive method to estimate anthocyanin pigment concentration in reproductive and vegetative plant tissues. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:3064-3076. [PMID: 29607006 PMCID: PMC5869271 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthocyanin pigments have become a model trait for evolutionary ecology as they often provide adaptive benefits for plants. Anthocyanins have been traditionally quantified biochemically or more recently using spectral reflectance. However, both methods require destructive sampling and can be labor intensive and challenging with small samples. Recent advances in digital photography and image processing make it the method of choice for measuring color in the wild. Here, we use digital images as a quick, noninvasive method to estimate relative anthocyanin concentrations in species exhibiting color variation. Using a consumer‐level digital camera and a free image processing toolbox, we extracted RGB values from digital images to generate color indices. We tested petals, stems, pedicels, and calyces of six species, which contain different types of anthocyanin pigments and exhibit different pigmentation patterns. Color indices were assessed by their correlation to biochemically determined anthocyanin concentrations. For comparison, we also calculated color indices from spectral reflectance and tested the correlation with anthocyanin concentration. Indices perform differently depending on the nature of the color variation. For both digital images and spectral reflectance, the most accurate estimates of anthocyanin concentration emerge from anthocyanin content‐chroma ratio, anthocyanin content‐chroma basic, and strength of green indices. Color indices derived from both digital images and spectral reflectance strongly correlate with biochemically determined anthocyanin concentration; however, the estimates from digital images performed better than spectral reflectance in terms of r2 and normalized root‐mean‐square error. This was particularly noticeable in a species with striped petals, but in the case of striped calyces, both methods showed a comparable relationship with anthocyanin concentration. Using digital images brings new opportunities to accurately quantify the anthocyanin concentrations in both floral and vegetative tissues. This method is efficient, completely noninvasive, applicable to both uniform and patterned color, and works with samples of any size.
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Affiliation(s)
- José C Del Valle
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Pablo de Olavide University Seville Spain
| | - Antonio Gallardo-López
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Pablo de Olavide University Seville Spain
| | - Mª Luisa Buide
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Pablo de Olavide University Seville Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Narbona
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Pablo de Olavide University Seville Spain
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Souto-Vilarós D, Vuleta A, Jovanović SM, Budečević S, Wang H, Sapir Y, Imbert E. Are pollinators the agents of selection on flower colour and size in irises? OIKOS 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.04501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Souto-Vilarós
- ISEM, Univ. de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, EPHE; Montpellier France
- Faculty of Science, Biology center, Univ. of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760; CZ-37005 České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - Ana Vuleta
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology; “Siniša Stanković” Inst. for Biological Research, Univ. of Belgrade; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Sanja Manitašević Jovanović
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology; “Siniša Stanković” Inst. for Biological Research, Univ. of Belgrade; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Sanja Budečević
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology; “Siniša Stanković” Inst. for Biological Research, Univ. of Belgrade; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Hui Wang
- ISEM, Univ. de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, EPHE; Montpellier France
- College of life sciences, Northwest A&F Univ.; Yangling Shaanxi China
| | - Yuval Sapir
- The Botanical Garden, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv Univ.; Ramat Aviv Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Eric Imbert
- ISEM, Univ. de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, EPHE; Montpellier France
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Lebel M, Obolski U, Hadany L, Sapir Y. Pollinator-mediated selection on floral size and tube color in Linum pubescens: Can differential behavior and preference in different times of the day maintain dimorphism? Ecol Evol 2018; 8:1096-1106. [PMID: 29375782 PMCID: PMC5773291 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diversity of flower traits is often proposed as the outcome of selection exerted by pollinators. Positive directional pollinator-mediated selection on floral size has been widely shown to reduce phenotypic variance. However, the underlying mechanism of maintaining within-population floral color polymorphism is poorly understood. Divergent selection, mediated by different pollinators or by both mutualists and antagonists, may create and maintain such polymorphism, but it has rarely been shown to result from differential behavior of one pollinator. We tested whether different behaviors of the same pollinators in morning and evening are associated with dimorphic floral trait in Linum pubescens, a Mediterranean annual plant that exhibits variable within-population frequencies of dark- and light-colored flower tubes. Usia bicolor bee-flies, the major pollinators of L. pubescens, are mostly feeding in the flower in the morning, while in the evening they are mostly visiting the flowers for mating. In 2 years of studying L. pubescens in a single large population in the Carmel, Israel, we found in one year that dark-centered flowers received significantly higher fraction of visits in the morning. Fitness was positively affected by number of visits, but no fitness differences were found between tube-color morphs, suggesting that both morphs have similar pollination success. Using mediation analysis, we found that flower size was under positive directional pollinator-mediated selection in both years, but pollinator behavior did not explain entirely this selection, which was possibly mediated also by other agents, such as florivores or a-biotic stresses. While most pollinator-mediated selection studies show that flower size signals food reward, in L. pubescens, it may also signal for mating place, which may drive positive selection. While flower size found to be under pollinator-mediated selection in L. pubescens, differential behavior of the pollinators in morning and evening did not seem to explain flower color polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merav Lebel
- The Botanical GardenTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- School of Plant Sciences and Food SecurityTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Present address:
Science DivisionNature‐Parks AuthorityJerusalemIsrael
| | - Uri Obolski
- The Botanical GardenTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Present address:
Department of ZoologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Lilach Hadany
- The Botanical GardenTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Yuval Sapir
- The Botanical GardenTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- School of Plant Sciences and Food SecurityTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
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35
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Arroyo J, Thompson JD. Plant reproductive ecology and evolution in a changing Mediterranean climate. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2018; 20 Suppl 1:3-7. [PMID: 29292591 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Arroyo
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - J D Thompson
- UMR 5175 Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionelle et Evolutive, CNRS, Montpellier, France
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