WHY HERMAPHRODITIC PLANTS PRODUCE MANY MORE FLOWERS THAN FRUITS: EXPERIMENTAL TESTS WITH AGAVE MCKELVEYANA

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Five hypotheses explaining the low fruit-to-flower ratios in self-incompatible hermaphroditic plants are tested for Agave mckelveyana. Results from pruning, bagging, and hand-pollination experiments indicate that “excess” flowers (i.e., flowers that fail to produce mature fruits) do not contribute to female fitness (i.e., fruit or seed production). These flowers are aborted regardless of their pollination history. Additional data on nectar production imply that these flowers act as pollen donors and contribute to male fitness.
Funding Information
  • University of Arizona's Graduate Student Development Fund
  • The National Audubon Society's Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch
  • The Tucson Audubon Society
  • American Museum of Natural History's Chapman Fund