Abstract Detail

Reproductive Processes

Siegfried, Emma [1], Krakos, Kyra Neipp [2].

Comparative analysis of the reproductive biology of Rudbeckia hirta across four habitats in pre and post drought-winter years.

Climate change and habitat can impact plant reproductive biology. In this study, the reproductive success of Rudbeckia hirta is analyzed by examining morphology and pollination systems across different habitats and in pre and post drought winter years. Morphology measurements and pollinator observations from each of the four habitats (prairie, forest, wetland, and glade) were conducted and compared to the pollinator observations from 2013-2018 and 2020-2021 during pre and post drought winter years. Pollinators were collected for pollen load analysis to determine percent pollen flow. The results show that there are statistical differences in the morphology between habitats. The main visitors of R. hirta are halictids and beetles. Using only visitation rates, the degree of generalization of the pollination system is overestimated. The pollen flow for halictids as the main pollinator is greater when pollen load is included. In drought years, the main visitors are halictids and beetles, and in non-drought years the main visitors are halictids and Apis.

1 - Maryville University, 650 Maryville University Drive , St. Louis, MO, 63141, USA
2 - Maryville University, Biology, 650 Maryville University, St Louis, MO, 63141, United States

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: RP2001
Abstract ID:365
Candidate for Awards:None