PJB-2018-358
Reproductive biology and pollination of Sorbus alnifolia, an ornamental species
Linjun Yao
Abstract
Sorbus alnifolia (Rosaceae) is grown as ornamentals and fruit tree. It can supply wood for equipment, vehicles and models, but the fruit set was generally low. A complete knowledge of its pollination biology may prove useful in solve the problem of low fruit set, but it is currently poorly understood. The present study investigated the pollination biology of Sorbus alnifolia in temperate montane forest in eastern China, including aspects of an analysis of morphology, floral biology, and the reproductive system as well as flower-visitor observations, and an analysis of the pollen to ovule ratio. The flowers are sequentially hermaphrodite and protogynous. Pollen and stigmas have a dynamic overlapping at least 3 d period of fertility. Flowers of this species set fruit via natural pollination (23.5%); artificial self-pollination (8.63%); artificial cross-pollination (27.41%) while apomixis was not observed (0%). The main pollinators were insects of the Nymphalidae, Apidae and Tenthredinidae. Although S. alnifoliais adapted to insect pollination, it readily sets fruit via autogamy when no insect visits occur, which is supported by artificial self-pollination and can be regarded as an adaptive strategy for reproduction under unfavorable environmental conditions. In rainy days, not only the pollen viability decreased significantly, but also the insect activity. To solve the problem of low fruit set of S. alnifolia, hand pollination is recommended, which could significantly increase fruit set. The information gained from this study should provide a useful reference for implementing long-term conservation and management strategies for these species.
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