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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.)

Nectar ecology of the endemic epiphytic hummingbird-pollinated bromeliad Vriesea altodaserrae: secretion dynamics and pollinator visitation pattern

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Author(s):
Nunes, Carlos E. P. [1] ; Briet, Joseildo [2] ; Galetto, Leonardo [3] ; Sazima, Marlies [4] ; Amorim, Felipe W. [5]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Programa Posgrad Biol Vegetal, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Taubate, BR-12020270 Taubate, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Nacl Cordoba, Inst Multidisciplinario Biol Vegetal, RA-5000 Cordoba - Argentina
[4] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Vegetal, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[5] Univ Estadual Paulista, Lab Ecol Polinizacao & Interacoes, Dept Bot, Inst Biociencias, BR-18618689 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Acta Botanica Brasilica; v. 32, n. 3, p. 479-486, JUL-SEP 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Hummingbirds are the main pollinators of most bromeliad species, whose nectar traits usually respond to the selective pressures imposed by pollinators. Considering the specialization of hummingbird-pollinated bromeliads, we expect a close relationship between nectar ecophysiology and the needs of the main pollinators. In this sense, we studied the nectar ecology of the endemic epiphytic bromeliad Vriesea altodaserrae by assessing its nectar traits to address the following questions: i) do flowers respond to successive experimental removals of nectar? ii) is hummingbird visitation frequency related to nectar secretion pattern? We found that V. altodaserrae depended completely on hummingbirds for sexual reproduction, and nectar composition was consistent with that of most hummingbird-pollinated species. Most of the nectar was secreted at bud stage and, if not removed, flowers reabsorb it at the end of their lifespan. Total nectar production did not change after successive removals, and nectar secretion rhythm did not affect the frequency of hummingbird visits. Vriesea altodaserrae was visited by two-thirds of the hummingbird species recorded at the study site, but especially by those of Trochilinae subfamily, suggesting specialization for this group of hummingbirds and highlighting the importance this endemic bromeliad as a keystone species in areas of highland Atlantic forest. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 03/12595-7 - Floristic composition, structure and functioning of the Dense Rainforest nuclei of Picinguaba and Santa Virgínia of Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Grantee:Carlos Alfredo Joly
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants