Floral biology of Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae) and its relation with Astylus variegatus activity (Germar 1824) (Coleoptera: Melyridae)

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências

Maria Emilia P.f. Silva²  Rosilda M. Mussury²  Maria Do Carmo Vieira¹  Valter V. Alves Junior²  Zefa V. Pereira¹  Silvana P.q. Scalon¹ 

[1] ,Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da BiodiversidadeDourados MS ,Brasil

关键词: nasturtium;    coleoptera;    pollinization;    capuchinha;    coleóptera;    pólen;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0001-37652011005000046

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

Tropaeolum majus L. (nasturtium) is a culture popularly known by its medicinal, ornamental and culinary utility. This work aimed to evaluate the interaction between Astylus variegatus (Germar 1824) (Coleoptera: Melyridae) and the nasturtium flowers associated to the weeks of flourishing, in order to conceive the floral mechanims used by the species to attract A. variegatus. The insects collection was achieved with an entomologic net by the sweeping method, during the weekly flowering, at two hours, from 7am to 5pm. The studies of floral biology were carried out in twenty flowers by the analysis of measures and the arrangement of the floral parts. The nasturtium flower offers pollen and nectar to the insect as a compensation. However, it was observed that A. variegatus only collects pollen as a nutritious resource. Tropaeolum majus presents several flowers for each individual and, during the visits, A. variegatus walked throughout the interior of the flower, among the stamens and contacting the ventral region of its body, and while passing through the stigma it lodged the pollen. Sometimes, it uses the internal cavity for sheltering and mating. The visits occurred preferably on the second and fifth weeks of flourishing, with a populational fluctuation between 9am and 11am.

【 授权许可】

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