The Experts below are selected from a list of 3402 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Atsushi Kawakita - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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slippery flowers as a mechanism of defence against nectar thieving ants
Annals of Botany, 2021Co-Authors: Kazuya Takeda, Tomoki Kadokawa, Atsushi KawakitaAbstract:BACKGROUND AND AIMS The great diversity of floral characteristics among animal-pollinated plants is commonly understood to be the result of coevolutionary interactions between plants and pollinators. Floral antagonists, such as nectar thieves, also have the potential to exert an influence upon the selection of floral characteristics, but adaptation against floral antagonists has attracted comparatively little attention. We found that the corollas of hornet-pollinated Codonopsis lanceolata (Campanulaceae) and the tepals of bee-pollinated Fritillaria koidzumiana (Liliaceae) are slippery to nectar-thieving ants living in the plant's habitat; because the flowers of both species have exposed nectaries, slippery Perianths may function as a defence against nectar-thieving ants. METHODS We conducted a behavioural experiment and observed Perianth surface microstructure by scanning electron microscopy to investigate the mechanism of slipperiness. Field experiments were conducted to test whether slippery Perianths prevent floral entry by ants, and whether ant presence inside flowers affects pollination. KEY RESULTS Scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that the slippery surfaces were coated with epicuticular wax crystals. The Perianths lost their slipperiness when wiped with hexane. Artificial bridging of the slippery surfaces using non-slippery materials allowed ants to enter flowers more frequently. Experimental introduction of live ants to the Codonopsis flowers evicted hornet pollinators and shortened the duration of pollinator visits. However, no statistical differences were found in the fruit or seed sets of flowers with and without ants. CONCLUSIONS Slippery Perianths, most probably based on epicuticular wax crystals, prevent floral entry by ants that negatively affect pollinator behaviour. Experimental evidence of floral defence based on slippery surfaces is rare, but such a mode of defence may be widespread amongst flowering plants.
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slippery flowers as a mechanism of defence against nectar thieving ants
bioRxiv, 2020Co-Authors: Kazuya Takeda, Tomoki Kadokawa, Atsushi KawakitaAbstract:Abstract Background and Aims The great diversity of floral characters among animal-pollinated plants is commonly understood as the result of coevolutionary interactions between plants and pollinators. Floral antagonists, such as nectar thieves, also have the potential to exert selection on floral characters, but adaptation against floral antagonists has attracted comparatively little attention. We found that the corollas of hornet-pollinated Codonopsis lanceolata (Campanulaceae) and the tepals of bee-pollinated Fritillaria koidzumiana (Liliaceae) are slippery to nectar-thieving ants living in the plant’s habitat; because the flowers of both species have exposed nectaries, slippery Perianths may function as a defence against nectar-thieving ants. Methods We conducted a behavioural experiment and observed Perianth surface microstructure by scanning electron microscopy to investigate the mechanism of slipperiness. Field experiments were conducted to test whether slippery Perianths prevent floral entry by ants, and whether ant presence inside flowers affects pollination. Key Results Scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that the slippery surfaces were coated with epicuticular wax crystals. The Perianths lost their slipperiness when wiped with hexane. Artificial bridging of the slippery surfaces using non-slippery materials allowed ants to enter flowers more frequently. Experimental introduction of live ants to the Codonopsis flowers evicted hornet pollinators and shortened the duration of pollinator visits. However, no differences were found in the fruit or seed sets of flowers with and without ants. Conclusions Slippery Perianths, most likely based on epicuticular wax crystals, prevent floral entry by ants that negatively affect pollinator behaviour. Experimental evidence of floral defence based on slippery surfaces is rare, but such a mode of defence may be widespread amongst flowering plants.
Kazuya Takeda - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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slippery flowers as a mechanism of defence against nectar thieving ants
Annals of Botany, 2021Co-Authors: Kazuya Takeda, Tomoki Kadokawa, Atsushi KawakitaAbstract:BACKGROUND AND AIMS The great diversity of floral characteristics among animal-pollinated plants is commonly understood to be the result of coevolutionary interactions between plants and pollinators. Floral antagonists, such as nectar thieves, also have the potential to exert an influence upon the selection of floral characteristics, but adaptation against floral antagonists has attracted comparatively little attention. We found that the corollas of hornet-pollinated Codonopsis lanceolata (Campanulaceae) and the tepals of bee-pollinated Fritillaria koidzumiana (Liliaceae) are slippery to nectar-thieving ants living in the plant's habitat; because the flowers of both species have exposed nectaries, slippery Perianths may function as a defence against nectar-thieving ants. METHODS We conducted a behavioural experiment and observed Perianth surface microstructure by scanning electron microscopy to investigate the mechanism of slipperiness. Field experiments were conducted to test whether slippery Perianths prevent floral entry by ants, and whether ant presence inside flowers affects pollination. KEY RESULTS Scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that the slippery surfaces were coated with epicuticular wax crystals. The Perianths lost their slipperiness when wiped with hexane. Artificial bridging of the slippery surfaces using non-slippery materials allowed ants to enter flowers more frequently. Experimental introduction of live ants to the Codonopsis flowers evicted hornet pollinators and shortened the duration of pollinator visits. However, no statistical differences were found in the fruit or seed sets of flowers with and without ants. CONCLUSIONS Slippery Perianths, most probably based on epicuticular wax crystals, prevent floral entry by ants that negatively affect pollinator behaviour. Experimental evidence of floral defence based on slippery surfaces is rare, but such a mode of defence may be widespread amongst flowering plants.
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slippery flowers as a mechanism of defence against nectar thieving ants
bioRxiv, 2020Co-Authors: Kazuya Takeda, Tomoki Kadokawa, Atsushi KawakitaAbstract:Abstract Background and Aims The great diversity of floral characters among animal-pollinated plants is commonly understood as the result of coevolutionary interactions between plants and pollinators. Floral antagonists, such as nectar thieves, also have the potential to exert selection on floral characters, but adaptation against floral antagonists has attracted comparatively little attention. We found that the corollas of hornet-pollinated Codonopsis lanceolata (Campanulaceae) and the tepals of bee-pollinated Fritillaria koidzumiana (Liliaceae) are slippery to nectar-thieving ants living in the plant’s habitat; because the flowers of both species have exposed nectaries, slippery Perianths may function as a defence against nectar-thieving ants. Methods We conducted a behavioural experiment and observed Perianth surface microstructure by scanning electron microscopy to investigate the mechanism of slipperiness. Field experiments were conducted to test whether slippery Perianths prevent floral entry by ants, and whether ant presence inside flowers affects pollination. Key Results Scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that the slippery surfaces were coated with epicuticular wax crystals. The Perianths lost their slipperiness when wiped with hexane. Artificial bridging of the slippery surfaces using non-slippery materials allowed ants to enter flowers more frequently. Experimental introduction of live ants to the Codonopsis flowers evicted hornet pollinators and shortened the duration of pollinator visits. However, no differences were found in the fruit or seed sets of flowers with and without ants. Conclusions Slippery Perianths, most likely based on epicuticular wax crystals, prevent floral entry by ants that negatively affect pollinator behaviour. Experimental evidence of floral defence based on slippery surfaces is rare, but such a mode of defence may be widespread amongst flowering plants.
Yimin Shi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Transcriptome Sequencing and Biochemical Analysis of Perianths and Coronas Reveal Flower Color Formation in Narcissus pseudonarcissus.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2018Co-Authors: Tang Dongqin, Yimin ShiAbstract:Narcissus pseudonarcissus is an important bulbous plant with white or yellow Perianths and light yellow to orange-red coronas, but little is known regarding the biochemical and molecular basis related to flower color polymorphisms. To investigate the mechanism of color formation, RNA-Seq of flower of two widely cultured cultivars (‘Slim Whitman’ and ‘Pinza’) with different flower color was performed. A total of 84,463 unigenes were generated from the Perianths and coronas. By parallel metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, we provide an overview of carotenoid biosynthesis, degradation, and accumulation in N. pseudonarcissus. The results showed that the content of carotenoids in the corona was higher than that in the Perianth in both cultivars. Accordingly, phytoene synthase (PSY) transcripts have a higher abundance in the coronas than that in Perianths. While the expression levels of carotenoid biosynthetic genes, like GGPPS, PSY, and LCY-e, were not significantly different between two cultivars. In contrast, the carotenoid degradation gene NpCCD4 was highly expressed in white-Perianth cultivars, but was hardly detected in yellow-Perianth cultivars. Silencing of NpCCD4 resulted in a significant increase in carotenoid accumulation, especially in all-trans-β-carotene. Therefore, we presume that NpCCD4 is a crucial factor that causes the low carotenoid content and color fading phenomenon of ‘Slim Whitman’ by mediating carotenoid turnover. Our findings provide mass RNA-seq data and new insights into carotenoid metabolism in N. pseudonarcissus.
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Volatile compounds in Perianth and corona of Narcissus Pseudonarcissus cultivars.
Natural product research, 2018Co-Authors: Tang Dongqin, Yimin ShiAbstract:Narcissus pseudonarcissus (daffodil) is a valuable plant for the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and therapeutical traits. The flower volatile compounds (FVCs) of ten Narcissus pseudonarcissus cultivars were analyzed by Headspace/Solid Phase Micro Extraction-Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS/SPME- GC/MS). 69 and 73 FVCs were detected in Perianth and corona of the ten cultivars. The compounds are largely comprised of monoterpenes, sesquiterpene, benzenoid compounds and other minor compounds classes. Monoterpenes were major component among the FVCs, with beta-ocimene and beta-myrcene as the two major compounds in most Perianths and coronas. The composition and content of the FVCs of different cultivars are quite different from each other.
Toyama Hironori - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Figure 2 from: Yahara T, Tagane S, Mase K, Chhang P, Toyama H (2016) Flora of Bokor National Park V: Two new species of Machilus (Lauraceae), M. bokorensis and M. brevipaniculata. PhytoKeys 65: 35-46. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.65.7403
2016Co-Authors: Yahara Tetsukazu, Tagane Shuichiro, Mase Keiko, Chhang Phourin, Toyama HironoriAbstract:Figure 2 - Machilus bokorensis Yahara & Tagane. a flowering branch b top of branch c flowers d stamen in 1st whorl e stamen in 2nd whorl with staminode f stamen in 3rd whorl with glands g pistil h outer Perianth lobes i inner Perianth lobe j, k bud scales. Materials from Tagane et al. 5475 (KYO). Drawn by S. Tagane
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Figure 4 from: Yahara T, Tagane S, Mase K, Chhang P, Toyama H (2016) Flora of Bokor National Park V: Two new species of Machilus (Lauraceae), M. bokorensis and M. brevipaniculata. PhytoKeys 65: 35-46. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.65.7403
2016Co-Authors: Yahara Tetsukazu, Tagane Shuichiro, Mase Keiko, Chhang Phourin, Toyama HironoriAbstract:Figure 4 - Machilus brevipaniculata Yahara & Tagane, a flowering branch b top of branch with abaxial leaf surface c flower buds d flower e outer Perianth lobe f inner Perianth lobe g–i stamens in 1st, 2nd and 3rd whorl from left j staminode k pistil. Materials from Tagane et al. 6011 (KYO). Drawn by K. Mase
Von Konrat Matt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Figure 23 from: Renner M, Devos N, Patino J, Brown E, Orme A, Elgy M, Wilson T, Gray L, von Konrat M (2013) Integrative taxonomy resolves the cryptic and pseudo-cryptic Radula buccinifera complex (Porellales, Jungermanniopsida), including two reinsta
2013Co-Authors: Renner Matt, Devos Nicolas, Patino Jairo, Brown Elizabeth, Orme Andrew, Elgy Michael, Wilson Trevor, Gray Lindsey, Von Konrat MattAbstract:Figure 23 - Radula notabilis line drawings 2. A Ventral view of male shoot B Cellular detail of stem perigynium wall C Cellular detail of junction between stem perigynium, Perianth wall, (at right) and calyptral perigynium (at left) D Longitudinal section of Perianth E Cellular detail of Perianth mouth F Archegonium G Female bracts in situ H Female bracts flattened I Perianth bearing shoot J Transverse section of stem from primary shoot. Scale bars: A, I: 600 µm. B, C, F: 60 µm. E, J: 40 µm. D, G, H: 240 µm. All from NSW909500
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Figure 15 from: Renner M, Devos N, Patino J, Brown E, Orme A, Elgy M, Wilson T, Gray L, von Konrat M (2013) Integrative taxonomy resolves the cryptic and pseudo-cryptic Radula buccinifera complex (Porellales, Jungermanniopsida), including two reinsta
2013Co-Authors: Renner Matt, Devos Nicolas, Patino Jairo, Brown Elizabeth, Orme Andrew, Elgy Michael, Wilson Trevor, Gray Lindsey, Von Konrat MattAbstract:Figure 15 - Radula demissa Line drawings 2. A Perianth bearing shoot sector in ventral view B Detail of leaf-lobe marginal cells C Detail of leaf-lobe medial cells D Archegonium E Cellular detail of junction between stem perigynium, Perianth wall, (at right) and calyptral perigynium (at left) F Longitudinal section of Perianth G Cellular detail of stem perigynium wall H Cellular detail of Perianth mouth I Transverse section of stem from primary shoot J One pair of female bracts K Dorsal stem surface showing three possible interpretations of dorsal cortical cell row, two of which has leaf insertion lines meeting at the dorsal stem mid-line, leaving no dorsal leaf-free strip. Scale bars: A: 600 µm, B–C, I: 40 µm. D, E, G, H, K: 60 µm. F, J: 240 µm. E, G: from NSW895686. Others from CHR587329
