Effects of Pollen Limitation on Seed Production in the Pale Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia alata)

Abstract

Pollen transfer among flowers contributes to genetic diversity and the maintenance of plant populations through the production of seeds. Decreased pollen receipt can result in fewer offspring. This is known as pollen limitation. We conducted field and laboratory experiments in a population of Sarracenia alata in Leon County, Texas in 2019 to examine 1) the effect of floral herbivory by the pitcher plant moth, Exyra semicrocea, on pollen availability and 2) the impact of pollen receipt on seed quantity and 3) seed quality. We found that floral herbivory significantly decreased the number and mass of anthers in flowers, and that a high pollen load significantly increased the number of seeds produced compared to low-pollen and control flowers. We found no differences in offspring quality among different pollen treatments based on germination traits. Pollen limitation occurs in S. alata and may pose a conservation risk when paired with other ecological disturbances.