Abstract Detail

Reproductive Processes

Reichmuth, Cory [1], , Rida Sait [2], Krakos, Kyra Neipp [3].

A Comparative Study of the Reproductive Biology of Melanthium virginicum in Rural vs Urban Populations.

Differences in abiotic conditions, floral morphology, and pollination ecology in urban vs rural populations can sometimes explain why some plant populations are in decline. In this study, we analyzed the reproductive success of Melanthium virginicum by examining the pollination and morphology in our rural prairie population at Shaw Nature Reserve (SNR), and our urban prairie population at Litzsinger Ecology Center (LEC). There is no statistical difference in soil pH between the urban and rural populations. Morphology measurements were taken, and observations were conducted at both rural and urban populations to uncover the main pollinator. Morphology of Melanthium virginicum was larger in the raceme height, plant height, and the number of inflorescences at LEC than at SNR. The main pollinator group at SNR was halictids and at LEC it was both halictids and beetles. There was no statistical correlation in display size and pollinator visitation rate in 2021 in either rural or urban populations. In all habitats, both beetle and halictid pollinators carried heterospecific pollen loads, however, stigma pollen loads were all conspecific pollen. The urban and rural populations are not experiencing pollen limitations in 2021. This study provides details on the reproductive success of Melanthium virginicum, an endangered species, and why its populations are in decline.

1 - Maryville University/Missouri State University, 1214 Hermans Lake Drive, Florissant, MO, 63034, United States
2 - Maryville University, School Arts and Science, 650 Maryville University Drive, St Louis, MO, 63141, United States
3 - Maryville University, Biology, 650 Maryville University, St Louis, MO, 63141, United States

Keywords:
Melanthium virginicum
Shaw Nature Reserve
Litzsinger Ecology Center
Rural
Urban
morphology
Pollination
plant ecology
endangered species
Reproductive Success.

Presentation Type: Poster
Number: PRP002
Abstract ID:205
Candidate for Awards:None