Evolution of the mating systems of Pleurothallidinae, systematics and evolution of Spiranthinae and reproductive biology of neotropical orchids

• Grant number: 12/06793-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: August 18, 2012
• End date: September 15, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Plant Taxonomy
• Principal Investigator: Eduardo Leite Borba
• Grantee: Eduardo Leite Borba
• Host Investigator: Gerardo Adolfo Salazar Chávez
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán (UNAM), Mexico

Abstract

I will carry out teaching and research activities in the Departamento de Botánica of the Instituto de Biología in the Universidade Nacional Autónoma de México, under the supervision of Dr. Gerardo Adolfo Salazar Chavez, a leading expert on systematics and evolution of Orchidaceae in the Neotropics. As research activities it will be determined the mating systems of extra-Brazilian Pleurothallidinae species, occurring at the station Los Tuxtlas, Mexico, to help set the scene of the evolution of reproductive systems in the subtribe, a project that has been developed for some years, through experimental pollinations and study of pollen tube development and penetration of ovules, with a focus on answering the questions of when and how often the self-incompatibility arose in the group. It would also be determined mating systems and potential of hybridization in species of several groups of Neotropical orchids occurring in sympatry in the Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel, on the campus of UNAM. I will teach the course "Plant mating systems" in the Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences at UNAM, with publication of articles of the studies carried out in the discipline under my guidance. This period will allow for important scientific exchange, update techniques in molecular biology and phylogenetic analysis, and strengthening collaborative relationships with Dr. Gerardo Salazar, consolidating a partnership started a few years ago in the development of systematic and phylogenetic studies in Spiranthinae, with publication of articles relating to the phylogenetic systematics of the subtribe and on the morphology, distribution and phylogenetic position of the genus of great evolutionary importance, Cotylolabium. (AU)