Floral and reproductive biology of seven ruderal species from the metropolitan region of Campinas

• Grant number: 21/08984-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2021
• End date: November 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Maria do Carmo Estanislau do Amaral
• Grantee: Pedro Quinellato Dantas
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant(s): 24/07328-6 - XX International Botanical Congress, AR.EXT

Abstract

Ruderal species are plant species typically found in anthropic environments. There are relatively few studies on their floral and reproductive biology. They tend to go unnoticed in the eyes of the general population. However, these plants can have considerable ecological importance. This project aims to fill the gaps in the knowledge of floral and reproductive biology of seven plant species, typically perceived as weeds, which are commonly found in the metropolitan region of Campinas-SP: coat buttons (Tridax procumbens), Synedrellopsis grisebachii, arrowed sida (Sida rhombifolia), purple bush-bean (Macroptilium atropurpureum), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), Zornia reticulata and artillery weed (Pilea microphylla). The project will investigate floral morphology, breeding system, floral visitors and reproductive success of each species. The morphological analyses will include photographic record and description of floral structure. Floral morphology analysis, the pollen/ovules ratio, and pollinator dependence for fruit set will be used for determining the breeding system. Observation, photography and video recording of floral visitors will be provided for pollinator dependent species. The data will be statistically analyzed and presented in comparative graphs and contingency tables to evaluate the dependence between floral characteristics, floral visitors and plant species.(AU)