Open AccessFlower herbivory and seed predation in Silene vulgaris (Caryophyllaceae): effects of pollination and phenology
Author(s) -
Pettersson Mats W.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
ecography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.973
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1600-0587
pISSN - 0906-7590
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0587.1991.tb00632.x
Subject(s) - biology , pollinator , pollination , predation , phenology , seed predation , nectar , caryophyllaceae , herbivore , botany , reproductive success , abundance (ecology) , pollen , ecology , seed dispersal , population , biological dispersal , demography , sociology
Pollination and seed predation were studied in Silene vulgaris populations during two seasons, one with much lower pollinator abundance than the other. Among the pollinators, noctuid moths of the genus Hadena also acted as seed predators. Nectar‐foraging female moths oviposited in flowers, and their larvae consumed flowers and seed capsules. Despite a lower percentage of pollinated flowers in the year of low pollinator abundance, similar numbers of flowers set fruit in both years, because fewer flower buds and flowers were eaten by Hadena larvae during the year of low pollinator visitation. The number of seed capsules preyed upon was also lower in the year with low pollinator abundance, resulting in a higher seed set. The positive correlation between the percentage of pollinated flowers and the percentage of seed capsules destroyed was also observed when comparing flowers opening in different parts of the season. Early flowering plant individuals had the same pollination success but suffered higher seed predation than late flowering ones. Selection for maximized pollination success through synchronous flowering, is probably the main reason for the compressed flowering period in 5. vulgaris , but the high level of predation early in the season may further increase the reproductive success of synchronous flowering individuals.