Abstract Detail

Reproductive Processes

Taylor, David [1], Anderson, Gregory [2].

Report of Fungal Endophyte in Anthers of Stigmaphyllon subgenus Ryssopterys (Malpighiaceae).

In our Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of pollen grains in Stigmaphyllon subgenus Ryssopterys (Malpighiaceae), a group of woody vines endemic to island chains in Southeast Asia and Oceania, we found the presence of basidiomycete hyphae as well as basidia and spores. The hyphae were found wrapped around pollen grains. Furthermore, fungal spores were found on the surface of pollen grains. Given that this pollen was collected from anthers in closed flower buds, we propose that this fungal species is an endophyte that is producing spores in association with the pollen grains of its host, presumably, as in some bird and bee pollinated plants, in order that the spores be dispersed along with the grains of pollen. Due to the showiness of the flower and the pollen grains apparently adhering in groups to fungal hyphae, it is likely that the pollen and spores are dispersed by an animal pollinator, whose identification is a part of our ongoing studies.

1 - University Of Portland, Biology Department, Swindells Hall 108, MSC 163, 5000 N Willamette Blvd., Portland, OR, 97203, United States
2 - University Of Connecticut, Department Of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 75 N. Eagleville Road, Unit 43, Storrs, CT, 06269, United States

Keywords:
Malpighiaceae
Stigmaphyllon
Ryssopterys
Fungal Spore Micrographs
endophytes.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Reproductive Processes Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PRP009
Abstract ID:593
Candidate for Awards:None