Abstract

AMELA GARCIA, María Teresa. Breeding system and related floral features under natural and experimental conditions of Passiflora suberosa (Passifloraceae). Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2008, vol.43, n.1-2, pp.83-93. ISSN 1851-2372.

The breeding system, the floral characteristics and the visitors of the polymorphic Passiflora suberosa were studied in different natural populations of Corrientes and Misiones provinces, and at a partially-opened greenhouse in Buenos Aires. The different reproductive indexes calculated evidenced that, although it is highly self-compatible, autogamy is partial. The reproductive efficiency was similar in the field and in the greenhouse. The major relative reproductive success obtained by induced self-pollination suggests that the reproductive output may be improved with the help of pollinations, either natural or artificial. Although the single flower and the blooming are inconspicuous, the floral characters may be involved in wasps attraction. The scarcity or even absence of pollinators (depending on the sites) seems to be compensated with the capacity of autogamy and the extended flowering period. The successful treatments performed in the greenhouse and the long period of time the fruits remain on the plants constitute stimulant features to cultivate this ornamental, medicinal, edible and tinctoreous species.

Keywords : Passiflora suberosa; Breeding system; Self-compatibility; Floral morphology.

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