Create your own conference schedule! Click here for full instructions

Abstract Detail



Ecology

Ramsey, Adam Joseph [1], Ballou, Steven Mike [1], Mandel, Jennifer R. [2].

The Presence of a Non-native Alters Pollinator Activity of a Native Plant Species on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.

Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota, QAL) is a non-native plant species that was introduced to North America from Europe, and its presence on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts has been documented since at least the nineteenth century. Research in other plant systems has investigated whether native pollination was affected by the presence of a non-native, and the results are mixed. A native may be negatively affected, may not be affected or may be positively affected by the presence of the non-native. A population survey was performed on QAL, and a pollinator observation study was performed on QAL and a native species, Toothed White-top Aster (Sericocarpus asteroides, TWTA). Pollinators were observed for three hours per day and five days each for the 2 species individually and both species cohabitating together. Additionally, a removal treatment was performed on sites where both species cohabitate. The sites were first observed as described on day one. QAL umbels were then removed from the site and pollinators were observed on TWTA as described the following day. Finally, TWTA populations from a range of distances from QAL were assayed for the presence and degree of heterospecific pollen. We had four hypotheses: 1) QAL would be present across Nantucket Island; 2) The presence of QAL would increase pollinator visitation rates and diversity indices on TWTA; 3) The removal of QAL would restore pollinator visitation rates and diversity indices to those found on sites with only TWTA; 4) Higher levels of heterospecific pollination would be found on TWTA in populations located close to QAL. We found QAL to be abundant across the island. While both plant species are generalist-pollinated, QAL attracted 15 insect families and TWTA attracted only 8, with the majority being flies and bees. Each removal treatment received at least 50 % fewer pollinator visits after QAL was removed.


Log in to add this item to your schedule

1 - University of Memphis, Department of Biological Sciences, 3700 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
2 - University Of Memphis, 3744 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA

Keywords:
Daucus carota
heterospecific
invasive species
pollination
Sericocarpus
wild carrot.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 8, Ecology Section - Invasive Species
Location: Sundance 5/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: 8004
Abstract ID:218
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Graduate Student Paper


Copyright © 2000-2017, Botanical Society of America. All rights reserved