Pollinator probing preference and switching mode-mediated self-interference within a monoecious plant significantly reduced reproductive fitness

Frontiers in Plant Science

Plant Science

Hao Wang¹  Guo-Xing Cao²  Bi-Xian Wu²  Nan Xia³  Li-Na Ma⁴ 

[1] College of Life Science, Yan’an University, Yan’an, China;Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China;Langzhong Agricultural Bureau, Langzhong, China;Langzhong Natural Resources and Planning Bureau, Langzhong, China;

关键词: Akebia trifoliata;    monoecy;    pollen limitation;    pollinator behavior;    selfing;    self-compatibility;    self-interference;    reproductive fitness;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpls.2023.1243764

 received in 2023-06-21, accepted in 2023-09-18,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

IntroductionMonoecy is usually interpreted as an important evolutionary route of the plant sexual system from hermaphroditism to dioecy. This floral mechanism can effectively reduce self-interference during the reproductive process, and the services provided by pollinators may play an essential role in monoecious species; however, relevant research is still lacking. Thus, we aimed to determine whether monoecious plants could effectively avoid self-interference and promote the evolution of monoecy under the service of pollinators.MethodsHere, we successfully performed manipulation experiments to test self-compatibility, pollinator behavior, and self-interference between male and female functions in Akebia trifoliata, a typical monoecious species.ResultsWe demonstrated that experimental self-pollination did not yield any fruit, and supplemental pollination significantly increased fruit set and fruit weight compared to natural pollination, suggesting that this species is completely self-incompatible and experiences strong pollen limitation. Simultaneous self- and cross-pollination and self-pollination prior to cross-pollination significantly reduced reproductive fitness, but self-pollination after cross-pollination did not, indicating self-interference in this plant. Moreover, both male flower probing preference and switching modes within inflorescences by pollinators successfully reinforced self-interference and were also responsible for decreasing reproductive fitness in A. trifoliata.DiscussionIn summary, pollinator-mediated self-interference significantly reduced selfing, providing potential dynamics for the maintenance and evolution of monoecy.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
Copyright © 2023 Wu, Ma, Xia, Wang and Cao