Effects of multi-species interactions in gynodioecious populations of <i>Polemonium foliosissimum</i>

Abstract

Gynodioecy is a dimorphic breeding system in which male sterile individuals coexist with hermaphroditic individuals in the same populations. In order for female plants to be maintained within these populations, considering that they do not achieve fitness through male function, they must have a fitness advantage through female function. We looked at mutualist such as pollinators and antagonists such as pollen thieves that steal pollen without performing pollination service and in gynodioecious species could leave hermaphrodites functionally female. Although pollen theft is highly understudied, it could be enormously important in influencing pollen limitation. At this time all results are very preliminary and need further analysis, but we hope to gain understanding into how interactions with other species might provide trade-offs for females and hermaphrodites in terms of attracting both mutualists and enemies. To do this we asked if floral visitors showed a preference for hermaphrodites or females, and if P foliosissimum is pollen limited all within the context of different sex ratios. Preliminary results suggest significant effects of site on pollen production as well as abortion rates on fruit set.

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