Welcome to Chinese Journal of Ecology! Today is Share:

cje

Previous Articles     Next Articles

The reproductive traits and invasiveness of Bidens pilosa var.radiata.

LUO Ya-ting1, WANG Ze-ming2, CUI Xian-liang1*,ZHAO Li-kun1, WANG Ju-hong3, LUO Yin-ling1   

  1. (1Key Laboratory of Subtropical Medicinal Edible Resources Development and Utilization in Yunnan Province, College of Biology and Chemistry, Puer University, Puer 665000, Yunnan, China; 2Jinan Environmental Research Institute, Jinan 250100, China; 3College of Food Technology and Life Science, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou 521041, Guangdong, China).
  • Online:2019-03-10 Published:2019-03-10

Abstract: Bidens pilosa var. radiata (Asteraceae) is an invasive plant species. Here, we examined its reproductive characteristics from aspects of flowering phenology of single inflorescence, breeding system, pollen ovule ratio, selfcompatibility, pollen vigor, pollinators, and seed germination. The effects of these aspects on its invasiveness were analyzed. The results showed that the flowering duration of a single inflorescence was 5-7 days. The pollen could maintain a high vigor (87.07%-93.41%) within 1-8 days. The pollen ovule ratio was 2508. Single inflorescence can be self-compatible or facultative heterosynthesis. B. pilosa var. radiata had a mixed mating system with high seed setting rate. The existence of edge flower (tongue flower) was beneficial to the increases of seed setting rate. The main pollinators were Phaeidae, Nymphalidae, Cochonidae, and Formicidae. By factors analysis and cluster analysis on germination percentage, germination rate, germination start time, and germination duration, the germination strategies of seeds of B. pilosa var.radiata could be classified into four types: outbreak type, transition type, slow budding type, and low sprouting type. Different germination types were selected by different environmental conditions. In conclusion, the self-compatibility, high seed setting rate, high seed germination percentage, fast germination rate, and diverse germinating strategies work together for the successful invasion of B. pilosa var.radiata.