Title: | Evolutionary disruption in the pollination system of Vanilla (Orchidaceae) |
Author(s): | Pansarin ER; Ferreira AWC; |
Address: | "Department of Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Systematics of Plants, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil. Department of Biology, Laboratory of Orchid Studies, Cidade Universitaria Dom Delgado, Federal University of Maranhao, Sao Luis, MA, Brazil" |
ISSN/ISBN: | 1438-8677 (Electronic) 1435-8603 (Linking) |
Abstract: | "Pollination of the pantropical Vanilla has been linked to melittophily and food deception. Here we investigated the role of flower traits on the reproduction of Neotropical Vanilla. We also studied the evolution of pollination systems in order to understand the origin of production of flower resources and the diversification of pollinators in this orchid genus. Our study was founded on data of adaptations in flower morphology, production of resources, scent release, pollinators and breeding systems of Vanilla and presenting new data on reproductive biology of V. palmarum. Data on reproductive biology of Vanilla were mapped onto a phylogeny to address our queries on the evolution of pollination systems in this genus. Vanilla palmarum shows a mixed mating system, with its facultative autogamous flowers being pollinated by hummingbirds. Its yellow flowers are scentless and produces nectar. Mapping of the pollination system onto trees resulted in one origin for bird pollination and at least two origins for autogamy in Vanilla. Nectar secretion has a single origin in the Neotropical thick-leafed lineage. Bird pollination of Vanilla is shown for the first time. The origin of ornithophily within a bee-pollinated clade is supported by flower morphology. Floral transitions to ornithophily have been favoured by the occupation of a distinct niche from that of the other thick-leafed Vanilla species. Despite its specialized pollination, V. palmarum is autogamous. A mixed mating system can promote reproductive assurance in the case of a decline in pollinator populations, or in areas where pollinator services are irregular or absent" |
Keywords: | Animals Bees Flowers *Orchidaceae Plant Breeding Plant Nectar Pollination *Vanilla Neotropics Vanilloideae autogamy nectar orchids ornithophily reproductive biology; |
Notes: | "MedlinePansarin, E R Ferreira, A W C eng 301773/2019-0/Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico/ 2018/07357-5/Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo/ England 2021/11/02 Plant Biol (Stuttg). 2022 Jan; 24(1):157-167. doi: 10.1111/plb.13356. Epub 2021 Nov 1" |