Studies on the factors that restrict sexual reproduction and fruit setting in Memecylon flavescens – an endangered taxon

Authors

  • D.H. Tejavathi Department of Botany, Bangalore University, Bangalore
  • B.S. Sumalatha Department of Botany, Bangalore University, Bangalore
  • R. Nijagunaiah Department of Botany, Bangalore University, Bangalore
  • P. Anitha Department of Botany, BMS College for Women, Basavanagudi, Bangalore
  • K. Gayatramma Department of Botany, MES College, Malleswaram, Bangalore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31357/jtfe.v9i2.4472

Abstract

Memecylon flavescens Gamble is an endangered taxon of Nilgiri region of Western Ghats. Extensive survey in the study area- Avalanche, Ooty made during 2015-18 has revealed a few interesting aspects about the sexual reproductive cycle. Fruit setting is substantially very low though profuse flowering occurs. Flowers are hermaphrodite, actinomorphic, tetramerous, pin type and protogynous, favouring cross-pollination. Pollen fertility as assessed by Alexander’s differential staining is about 30%. Sections of flower buds have revealed the infestation by undescribed gallmidge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). In 90% of the flower buds observed, gall midge galleries are seen at various levels in the flower bud, destroying the reproductive organs by larval feeding. Hence, negligible fruit setting is mainly due to gallmidge infestation. Protogynous nature and low percent of pollen fertility are added factors aggravating the effect on fruit setting.

Author Biography

D.H. Tejavathi, Department of Botany, Bangalore University, Bangalore

Forestry and Environmental Science

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Published

2019-12-11

How to Cite

Tejavathi, D., Sumalatha, B., Nijagunaiah, R., Anitha, P., & Gayatramma, K. (2019). Studies on the factors that restrict sexual reproduction and fruit setting in Memecylon flavescens – an endangered taxon. Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.31357/jtfe.v9i2.4472

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2019)

Section

Articles

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