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Extranuptial nectaries in bromeliads: a new record for Pitcairnia burchellii and perspectives for Bromeliaceae

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Abstract

Nectar plays important roles in the relationship between plants and other organisms, both within pollination systems and as a defense mechanism. In the latter case, extranuptial nectaries (ENNs) usually attract patrolling arthropods that reduce herbivory. ENNs have been frequently reported within the “xeric clade” of Bromeliaceae, but their occurrence in other groups of bromeliads is largely unexplored, especially considering their position, secretory activity and structure. After observing the presence of ants constantly patrolling the inflorescences of Pitcairnia burchellii Mez, we searched for the presence, secretory activity, and structure of ENNs in this species. We also provide a brief review of the occurrence ENNs in Bromeliaceae. The distribution of nectaries was assessed using ant-exclusion experiments, while structural analysis was performed using standard methods for light and scanning electron microscopy. The presence of sugars in the secretion was assessed by thin-layer chromatography and glucose strip tests. Nectaries in P. burchelli are non-structured glands on the adaxial surface of floral bracts and sepals. Bracts and sepals are distinct spatial units that act over time in the same strategy of floral bud protection. Literature data reveals that ENNs might be more common within Bromeliaceae than previously considered, comprising a homoplastic feature in the family. Future perspectives and evolutionary and taxonomic implications are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the ‘Fundação de Parques Municipais e Zoobotânica’ (FPMZB–Belo Horizonte, Brazil) and the ‘Jardim Botânico’ of the same institution, as well as the ‘Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro’ (JBRJ–Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) for providing access to their collections. We also thank the BHZB, BHCB, and RB herbaria, as well as the ‘Centro de Microscopia – UFMG’ (CM-UFMG; Belo Horizonte, Brazil) and all the funding agencies.

Funding

This research was partially funded by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG, process APQ-01926–18) and by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brazil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001. EASP and RCF received a research grant from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq; grant 307353/2021–4 and 303059/2020–6, respectively). RCF receives a research grant from the Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ; grant E-26/202.778/2018) through the Programa Cientistas do Nosso Estado.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil

    Igor Ballego-Campos & Élder A. S. Paiva

  2. Jardim Botânico Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22460-030, Brazil

    Rafaela C. Forzza

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  1. Igor Ballego-Campos
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  2. Rafaela C. Forzza
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Correspondence to Igor Ballego-Campos.

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Ballego-Campos, I., Forzza, R.C. & Paiva, É.A.S. Extranuptial nectaries in bromeliads: a new record for Pitcairnia burchellii and perspectives for Bromeliaceae. Sci Nat 109, 28 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-022-01799-5

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