Breeding system features and a novel method for locating floral nectar secretion in a South American nightshade (Jaltomata quipuscoae)

Mione T.; Kostyun J.; Leiva González S. · Plant Biosystems (2020) · DOI: 10.1080/11263504.2019.1578277

Resumen

The location of nectar secretion in flowers of Jaltomata has not been identified with certainty until now: removal of the corolla and androecium from one side of living flowers allowed us to see, in progress, nectar secretion by the ovarian nectary. We studied Jaltomata quipuscoae, a wild plant that grows in southern Peru and produces copious, red floral nectar. Unmanipulated flowers do not set fruit in a pollinator-free greenhouse, demonstrating lack of autogamy, but self-compatibility was demonstrated by manual self-pollinations leading to fruit-set. Anther dehiscence is staggered with the anthers of a flower dehiscing over hours on the same day. The corolla and nectar are UV-absorptive. Flowers last 4–10 days, are usually protogynous during the first day the corolla is open, and do not close for the night.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego