Experimental Florivory Influences Reproductive Success in the Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Plant-Animal Interactions
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Florivory, the consumption of flowers by herbivores, can impair plant reproduction by damaging floral organs and reducing pollinator attraction.
• Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is susceptible to florivory, with potential consequences for its reproductive success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of florivory on field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) reproductive success.
• To assess how florivory affects flower attractiveness to pollinators.

Main Methods:

• Conducted field surveys to identify florivores and document damage on Convolvulus arvensis flowers.
• Performed experimental damage to flowers to assess effects on reproductive success.
• Carried out laboratory experiments with bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) to test flower preference.

Main Results:

• Field surveys identified florivores causing partial corolla damage and holes in Convolvulus arvensis flowers.
• Experimentally damaged flowers exhibited significantly lower reproductive success (reduced seed count, increased failure rate).
• Naïve bumblebees did not show a preference for undamaged flowers, possibly due to infrequent pollination and lack of learned association between damage and reward reduction.

Conclusions:

• Florivory negatively impacts Convolvulus arvensis reproductive success.
• Reduced flower attractiveness due to florivory alters pollinator behavior, leading to decreased plant fitness.