INVESTIGADORES
GALETTO Leonardo
artículos
Título:
Nectar sugar composition and pollinators for the naturalized exotic Leonurus japonicus (Lamiaceae) in central Argentina.
Autor/es:
GALETTO, L.; TORRES, C.
Revista:
The International Journal of Plant Reproductive Biology
Editorial:
The Society of PRB
Referencias:
Año: 2010 vol. 2 p. 167 - 170
ISSN:
0975-4296
Resumen:
Volumes of nectar and sugar concentration were measured in different populations of the naturalized
exotic Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Lamiacaea) in central Argentina. Qualitative and quantitative nectar
sugar composition were determined and compared between populations. In general, nectar sugar
concentration was high and volume per flower was very low for all populations. Nectar sugars were
glucose, fructose and sucrose for all populations, but sucrose clearly predominates over hexoses.
Honeybees and bumblebees were recorded as the main pollinators in this region. Bumblebees preferences
for sucrose-high nectars can be indicating that this exotic species can attract these pollinators and
assure seed production to expand their populations. On the other hand, honeybees can use this nectar
resource because they are generalist and have enzymes to break the sucrose in hexoses. New interesting
studies can be settled considering the invasion process as theoretical framework, and developing field
experiments to link plant reproductive biology, nectar traits and pollinator preferences.Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Lamiacaea) in central Argentina. Qualitative and quantitative nectar
sugar composition were determined and compared between populations. In general, nectar sugar
concentration was high and volume per flower was very low for all populations. Nectar sugars were
glucose, fructose and sucrose for all populations, but sucrose clearly predominates over hexoses.
Honeybees and bumblebees were recorded as the main pollinators in this region. Bumblebees preferences
for sucrose-high nectars can be indicating that this exotic species can attract these pollinators and
assure seed production to expand their populations. On the other hand, honeybees can use this nectar
resource because they are generalist and have enzymes to break the sucrose in hexoses. New interesting
studies can be settled considering the invasion process as theoretical framework, and developing field
experiments to link plant reproductive biology, nectar traits and pollinator preferences.