Expanding the limits of the pollen-limitation concept: effects of pollen quantity and quality

AIZEN, M.A. Y L.D. HARDER

ECOLOGY

Año: 2007 p. 271 - 281

0012-9658

  distinguishes between its quantity and quality components. As an alternative, we propose a methodological protocol that requires both measurement of seed production following excess pollination with only outcross pollen and quantification of the dose–response relation of seed output to pollen receipt. This method estimates both the total extent of pollen limitation and its two components. Finally, we consider the influences on quantity and quality limitation, which reveals that quantity limitation probably occurs much less often than has been inferred from pollen-supplementation experiments. These interpretations suggest that an expanded perspective that recognizes the fecundity consequences of pollination with poor-quality pollen would promote ecological understanding of pollen limitation.   Key words: plant reproduction; pollen limitation; pollen quality; pollination; seed production; supplemental pollination; Tristerix corymbosus.