Abstract

ZAFFARONI, Facundo T.; CAMPANELLA, M. Victoria  and  MARTINEZ, Fernando J.. Reproductive biology of Chuquiraga avellanedae (Asteraceae), an endemic shrub of Patagonia. Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2021, vol.56, n.4, pp.488-496. ISSN 1851-2372.  http://dx.doi.org/10.31055/1851.2372.v56.n4.33707.

Background and aims: Chuquiraga avellanedae (Asteraceae) is an endemic species of the Patagonian steppes and a key component of the ecosystem. Knowing the reproductive system and the dependence on pollinating agents is important for understanding gene flow and seed production. The objectives were to determine whether this species is self-incompatible and ambophilous.

M&M: A field experiment was carried out and the following treatments were applied: cross-pollination, self-pollination, wind pollination, spontaneous pollination and control. Pollinating insects were recorded during two seasons.

Results: Seed production was significantly higher in the cross-pollination treatment and the control, differing from self-pollination and wind pollination. There was no seed production in the spontaneous pollination treatment. Flowers were frequently visited by insects mainly belonging to Hymenoptera and Diptera. There was inter-annual variation in the abundance of the major pollinator taxa.

Conclusions: Chuquiraga avellanedae is considered a self-incompatible species and a generalist-pollinated plant visited by many pollinators. This work reveals that pollinator insects are crucial for the reproductive success of this shrub. In agreement with previous knowledge, these findings indicate that the interaction C. avellanedae-insects represents a relevant component for ecosystem processes and services at regional scale.

Keywords : Ambophily; breeding system; Chuquiraga avellanedae; manual pollination; pollinating insects; seed set.