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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Floral asymmetry and predation risk modify pollinator behavior, but only predation risk decreases plant fitness

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Author(s):
Poleto Antiqueira, Pablo Augusto [1, 2] ; Romero, Gustavo Quevedo [3]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, IBILCE, Programa Posgrad Biol Anim, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Campinas UNICAMP, IB, Programa Posgrad Ecol, Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Estadual Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Anim, Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Oecologia; v. 181, n. 2, p. 475-485, JUN 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 8
Abstract

Although predators and floral herbivores can potentially decrease plant fitness by changing pollinator behaviors, studies comparing the strength of these factors as well as their additive and interactive effects on pollinator visitation and plant fitness have not been conducted. In this study, we manipulated the floral symmetry and predator presence (artificial crab spiders) on the flowers of the shrub Rubus rosifolius (Rosaceae) in a 2 x 2 factorial randomized block design. We found that asymmetry and predators decreased pollinator visitation (mainly hymenopterans), and overall these factors did not interact (additive effects). The effect of predation risk on pollinator avoidance behavior was 62 % higher than that of floral asymmetry. Furthermore, path analyses revealed that only predation risk cascaded down to plant fitness, and it significantly decreased fruit biomass by 33 % and seed number by 28 %. We also demonstrated that R. rosifolius fitness is indirectly affected by visiting and avoidance behaviors of pollinators. The strong avoidance behavioral response triggered by predation risk may be related to predator pressure upon flowers. Although floral asymmetry caused by herbivory can alter the quality of resources, it should not exert the same evolutionary pressure as that of predator-prey interactions. Our study highlights the importance of considering simultaneous forces, such as predation risk and floral asymmetry, as well as pollinator behavior when evaluating ecological processes involving mutualistic plant-pollinator systems. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/11874-6 - Indirect effects of predators and floral and leaf herbivory on the behavior of pollinators and reproductive success of Rubus rosifolius
Grantee:Pablo Augusto Poleto Antiqueira
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master