Reproductive characteristics that favor invasiveness in Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br. Issue 4 (16th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Díaz‐Segura, Omar; Golubov, Jordan; Mandujano, María C.; Zavala‐Hurtado, José Alejandro
• Is Part Of: Plant species biology. Volume 35:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 270
• Page End: 282
• Publication Date: 2020-06-16
• Subjects: germination -- invasive exotic species -- Leonotis nepetifolia -- phenology -- reproductive systems; Plants -- Evolution -- Periodicals; Plants -- Classification -- Periodicals; 581
• DOI: 10.1111/1442-1984.12278
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0913-557X

Abstract

Abstract: Reproductive systems are life attributes important in defining the demography and genetic constitution of invasive alien species populations. We describe the phenology, floral behavior and floral visitors in Mexican populations of Leonotis nepetifolia considered invasive in America, Asia and Oceania. The mating system was determined through pollination experiments and, with a morphological analysis of flowers (outcrossing index, OCI) and pollen/ovule ratio, the breeding system was evaluated. Germination of 1 and 2‐year‐old seeds was tested to assess the potential characteristics of germination. Leonotis nepetifolia was reproductive for 7 months (June to December) and tended towards a specific season during autumn. Anthesis lasted 36 hr with protogyny and no hercogamy, with floral visitors of Apodiformes, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Thysanoptera. Pollination experiments indicated a mixed mating system, whereas the OCI and the pollen/ovule ratio pointed towards a facultative xenogamous breeding system. Seed production was high (1, 445 ± 132 seeds/plant); the seeds had potential longevity and were neutral photoblastic. One‐year‐old seeds germinated slightly later ( x ¯ = 2.6 ± 0.11 days) than 2‐year‐old seeds ( x ¯ = 1.9 ± 0.02 days), both synchronously (IS1yr = 0.88 ± 0.03 and IS2yr = 0.82 ± 0.02). Germination percentage for 1‐year‐old seeds was lower (55.33 ± 4.40%) than that of 2‐year‐old seeds (94.18 ± 0.59%), suggesting a potential longevity of the seeds in an optimal environment. Reproductive characteristics, such as wide reproductive period, mixed breeding system, copious seed production, seeds with potential longevity, and quick and synchronic germination in different light conditions, favor the invasive capacity of Leonotis nepetifolia . Abstract : Leonotis nepetifolia is considered an invasive species in America, Asia and Oceania. In a population of Mexico, we evaluate and describe different reproductive characteristics of the species. Reproductive characteristics, such as wide reproductive period, mixed breeding system, copious seed production, seeds with potential longevity, quick and synchronic germination in different light conditions, favor its invasive capacity. Understanding these characteristics could help design strategies for their management.