Poster

         Reproductive Processes

A healthy pollinator conservation resource: A comparative study of the reproductive biology of Asclepias syriaca in urban vs rural populations

Presenting Author
Ibrahim Ahmed
Description
Habitat fragmentation through urbanization has the potential to impact pollen limitation experienced by plants in the area. In this study, differences in soil chemistry and plant reproductive success were analyzed between urban and rural populations of Asclepias syriaca. Plant morphology, pollination systems, and soil pH were measured in order to determine any significant differences between the populations of A. syriaca located at Shaw Nature Reserve and Litzsinger ecology center, as well as to determine if any pollen limitation is taking place. The results showed soil at Litzsinger being more acidic than soil at Shaw. On average, A. syriaca was taller at Litzsinger, but had fewer umbels and smaller corolla span compared to the population at Shaw. Bombus was the primary pollinator at both locations. Pollen limitation had not taken place at either location. A. Syriaca's robustness in floral output makes it potentially a great resource for pollinator conservation efforts.