Abstract:

The precise factors affecting stigma behavior in Campsis radicans (L.) Seem. ex Bureau. remain unclear up to now. In this study mechanical touch, self- and cross-pollination, and pollination with variable amounts of pollen grains separately contacting with stigmas have been conducted to determine the exact factor affecting the stigma behavior. Results show that mechanical touch alone cannot make the stigmas close permanently. It is the adequate pollen (＞350) deposition that causes the stigma permanent closure, which is in accordance with previous reports that sufficient pollen grains are necessary for fruit development. In addition, the stigma behavior does not display differences when pollinated with cross- or self-pollen separately; both self and cross pollen grains can germinate and grow successfully. Our results cannot demonstrate that the stigma behavior in C. radicans is an outcrossing mechanism, but strongly indicate it acts as a mechanism to facilitate pollination, and then enhance the reproductive success.

Key words: stigma behavior, Campsis radicans, bilobed stigma, pollination