Abstract Detail

Ecology

Halpin, Macie [1], Krakos, Kyra [1].

A comparative study of the morphological and reproductive biology of Silphium laciniatum in 2021.

The reproductive success is impacted by morphology and the breeding system of a plant. Morphological features such as being tall or having a larger display size impact the actions of pollinators which will affect the visitation rate. Plants that express these traits, may attract a wide variety of pollinators and experience higher reproductive success. In this study, we examined how morphological features and breeding system affected the reproductive success of Silphium laciniatum. Using Shaw Nature Reserve, we collected and compared morphological, pollination, and compatibility data. The average height of the 2021 population was not equivalent to the 2015 and 2020 populations. The average seed sets between open and self-treatment plants suggest that S. laciniatum is self-compatible. A correlation was not found between height and visitation rate as well as display size and visitation rate. We can determine that the morphological features did not impact the reproductive success and S. laciniatum may be reproducing using its own pollen.

1 - Maryville University, Arts & Sciences, 650 Maryville University Dr, St.Louis, MO, 63141, USA

Keywords:
Silphium laciniatum
morphology
Reproductive Success
breeding system
Seed Sets.

Presentation Type: Poster
Number: PEC038
Abstract ID:612
Candidate for Awards:None