Reproductive Strategy of Aegiceras corniculatum L. (Blanco.) - A Mangrove Species, in MNP&S, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Mangroves occur in the tropical and subtropical inter-tidal regions of the world. Owing to their locations, they are expected to have a reproductive strategy which can facilitate generalized pollination. The present work has examined the floral biology, breeding system, pollinator resource and their efficiency, and the reproductive strategy of Aegiceras corniculatum L. (Blanco) at three islands (three populations) in Marine National Park and Sanstuary (MNP&S), Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India. The temporal relations in the floral processes such as anther dehiscence, stigma receptivity and nectar secretion were studied and the results were juxtaposed to have comprehensive view. The floral life is very long (21 days) and the pace of floral transformation varies with the floral process. Significant diurnal variations in the stigma receptivity and nectar secretions influence the pollinators' availability during different periods of the day. All the three breeding systems are present indicating occurrence of autogamy. However, strong protandry reduces its possibility to a significant level. Further, the asynchrony in the flowering processes at inflorescence level and the foraging behavior of pollinators increase the possibility of geitonogamy. The reproductive strategy of the plant is inclined towards cross pollination with keeping some possibility of self-pollination.Keywords: mangrove, Aegiceras corniculatum, floral biology, pollination biology, stigma receptivity, nectar, pollinator, India Introduction Floral Biology-A Brief HistoryThough floral biology has attracted biologists since eighteenth century, the most fundamental and comprehensive observations were made by Sprengel (1793) who had successfully explained floral biology of 461 angiosperms (with 1 117 illustrations) in terms of floral transformations, functions, fitness, guides, rewards and its association with pollinator resource, determining the type and efficiency of breeding systems. Contrarily, Kölreuter (1761-1766), was of the view that the beauty of flowers had nothing to do with pollination. Willdenow (1802) had supported Sprengel's view while many contemporary workers such as Goethe (1790), Meyer (1953) and Henschel (1820) rejected it and, therefore, it remained in oblivion for decades. Darwin (1888) has rebound Sprengle's philosophy. Thereafter, evolution of plant breeding systems, their efficiency and the regulatory factors have gain enormous attention of biologists (Vogel, 1996;Richards, 1997). However, much of such works were confined to territorial species and very few addressed intertidal species such as mangroves. Biology of MangrovesMangroves represent the intertidal tropical and sub-tropical communities and the plant component thereof (Tomlinson, 1986). The long distant dispersal of their propagules, largely through water, play important role in their geographical distribution and high inter-population genetic diversity (Geng et al., 2008). Owing to their unique habitat and physiological characters, majority of works pertained to th...

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