Plant Diversity ›› 2013, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (5): 613-620.DOI: 10.7677/ynzwyj201312171

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The Influence of Temperature and Humidity on Stylar Curvature in Amomum tsaoko (Zingiberaceae)

YANG  Yao-Wen-1、2、3, QIAN  Zi-Gang-3, LI  Ai-Rong-1, PU  Chun-Xia-1、2、3, LIU  Xiao-Li-3, GUAN  Kai-Yun-1   

  1. 1 Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China; 2 University of Chinese
    Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; 3 The Center for Reproducing Fine Varieties of Chinese
    Medicinal Plants, Yunnan College of TCM, Kunming 650500, China
  • Received:2012-12-17 Online:2013-09-25 Published:2013-02-21
  • Supported by:

    Science and Technology Projects of Yunnan Province (2009CD078) and the Science Foundation of Yunnan Education Bureau (2010Z097)

Abstract:

Flexistyly is a floral mechanism involving extreme curving of the style first described in Amomum tsaoko Crevost & Lemarie. We examined the influence of temperature and humidity on stylar curvature in this species. Although floral behavior was similar to that reported previously in this species and other flexistylous gingers, there was a delay in stylar movement in two morphs, which differed strikingly from previous observations. When mean temperature and humidity between 8∶30 and 19∶30 hrs were below 18℃ and above 90%, respectively, style movement of both morphs was not delayed; however, there was a delay in style movement when temperature was increased above 18℃ and humidity fell below 90%. Stylar curvature of cataflexistylous flowers was more sensitive to change of humidity than anaflexistylous ones. When mean temperature and humidity were between 19.17-19.52℃ and 51.00%-51.44%, respectively, the anthesis of a single cataflexistylous flower was prolonged from 1 day to 2 days, and stylar curvature downwards was asynchronous. The asynchronous stylar movement did not ensure complete functional dioecy within a population, which would decrease successful crossfertilization (outcrossing) between the two different forms, and affect the breeding and fitness of plants. Flexistyly is a special form of heterodichogamy, which requires further study to fully understand its origin and evolution.

Key words: Amomum tsaoko, Temperature, Humidity, Stylar movement, Prolonged flowering

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