Insect visitation patterns in diploid Centaurea aspera and its related allotetraploid and triploid hybrids: Similar rates but distinct assemblages
[EN] Premise Polyploidy is key to plant evolution by contributing to speciation, diversification, and adaptability. However, the minority cytotype exclusion effect can limit the persistence of polyploids, which can be mitigated by reproductive barriers such as distinct insect visitation between cyto...
| Autores: | , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) |
| Repositorio: | RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/230826 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/230826 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Asteraceae Centaurea Contact zone Cytotype Hybridization Insect visitation Minority cytotype exclusion Pollination Polyploidy Reproductive barriers 15.- Proteger, restaurar y promover la utilización sostenible de los ecosistemas terrestres, gestionar de manera sostenible los bosques, combatir la desertificación y detener y revertir la degradación de la tierra, y frenar la pérdida de diversidad biológica |
| Sumario: | [EN] Premise Polyploidy is key to plant evolution by contributing to speciation, diversification, and adaptability. However, the minority cytotype exclusion effect can limit the persistence of polyploids, which can be mitigated by reproductive barriers such as distinct insect visitation between cytotypes. In eastern Spain, the diploid C. aspera, its related allotetraploid C. seridis, and their sterile triploid hybrid C. xsubdecurrens coexist in contact zones. Here we assessed the diversity and behavior of insects visiting these Centaurea taxa, identified factors influencing insect visitation, and explored potential changes in visitor composition and frequency across taxa in the contact zone of El Saler (Valencia, Spain).Methods Five natural blocks (25-50 m2) on sand dunes, each with all three plant taxa in proximity, were monitored weekly when their flowering periods overlapped. Insect visitors were identified, and number of visits and of capitula were recorded. Linear modelling was used to identify factors predicting visit frequency and differences in insect composition among plant taxa.Results Seventeen flying insect species visited Centaurea plants. The number of florets and the number of capitula were the strongest predictors of visit frequency, showing similar outcomes, rather than plant taxon or date. Although overall visitation rates did not significantly differ among plant taxa, insect assemblages varied. Centaurea seridis attracted a distinct set of insects compared to C. aspera and C. xsubdecurrens, with some insects displaying visitation biases at particular times.Conclusions Differences in insect assemblages suggest potential prezygotic barriers that could help C. seridis overcome minority exclusion, supporting its long-term establishment. |
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