Evaluation of the reproductive efficiency of Crotalaria stipularia Desv. (Fabaceae) in a fragment of Atlantic Forest, Pernambuco, Brazil/Avaliação da eficiência reprodutiva de Crotalaria stipularia Desv. (Fabaceae) em um fragmento de Floresta Atlântica, Pernambuco, Brasil

Abstract

Keel flowering plants have petals that surround the reproductive appendages, protecting pollen grains intended for breeding and offering nectar as a resource. These flowers represent the syndrome of melitophilia, as they restrict pollination to certain groups of bees in order to increase reproductive fitness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive efficiency of Crotalaria stipularia in an Atlantic Forest fragment through reproductive data of the species. Reproductive efficiency was evaluated considering pollen deposition in flowers, pollen grain viability, egg pollen ratio (P / O) by counting in stereomicroscope, seed / egg (S / O) and co-specific grains / egg (GCO / O). of Crotalaria stipularia, zygormorphic species with bilabiate keel. Being co-specific grains (GCO) considered species-specific and interspecific grains (GIN), not species-specific. The collections occurred in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest, located in the city of Paulista, Pernambuco. The species presented higher pollen deposition of 3044 specific grains, as well as the ratio P / O 411, S / O 0.99 and GCO / O 86.9. Based on the results of this study, the species was considered facultatively and reproductively efficient xenogam. The species also presented heteranteria, anthers with distinct morphology, which ensures reproduction, saving pollen that is not the main resource, as it provides pollen deposition at different locations in the pollinator. It is recognized the need for studies that verify the frequency of pollinators and seed production for different pollination syndromes, but this work satisfactorily contributes to the understanding of reproductive characteristics of this species.

Keywords

• heteranthery
• kell
• pollination