POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF TARENNA ASIATICA (L.) KUNTZ EX. K. SCHUM. (RUBIACEAE), A KEYSTONE EVERGREEN SHRUB SPECIES IN THE EASTERN GHATS FOREST - ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

Authors

  • A. Jacob Solomon Raju Andhra University
  • M. Mallikarjuna Rao Andhra University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4462/annbotrm-13158

Keywords:

TARENNA ASIATICA, HERMAPHRODITISM, ENTOMOPHILY, KEYSTONE SHRUB SPECIES

Abstract

Tarenna asiatica flowers throughout the year with profuse flowering during december-april. the flowers are hermaphroditic, self- and cross-compatible, protandrous, nectariferous and entomophilous. the mating system is facultatively xenogamous with highest fruit set in xenogamy. The protandry facilitates autonomous selfing. Bees and butterflies effect both self- and cross-pollinations. Fruits mature within a short period and the fallen seeds germinate following monsoon rains in June-July. a dearth of floral resources exists during december-april period; T. asiatica with profuse flowering during this period plays a key role to provide pollen and nectar for the probing flower foragers and hence is considered to be a keystone species in the eastern Ghats forest

Author Biographies

A. Jacob Solomon Raju, Andhra University

Dr. Aluri Jacob Solomon Raju is a Professor of Environmental Sciences in Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India. He was the Head of the Department during 2009-2012. He is currently the Chairman, Board of Studies of the Department. Further, he is a member of Academic Senate of the Andhra University. He was the Visiting Professor of University of Colima, Mexico. He was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Akron, USA for a period of two years. He has published more than 300 research papers, participated and presented scores of research papers at more than 75 national and more than 50 International conferences held in India and abroad.  He visited USA, Canada, UK, Brazil, Paraguay, Italy, Mexico, France, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Ethiopia and Tanzania. In recognition of his superior record of scholarship, he was awarded Distinguished Achievement Award by the University of Akron, USA. He is also the recipient of Best Research Award and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Best Academician Award of Andhra University, Loyola Environmental Award from Loyola College, Chennai and Andhra Pradesh Scientist Award from Andhra Pradesh Council of Science & Technology, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. He successfully completed a number of major research projects on the Eastern Ghats Forests funded by ICAR, UGC, DST, CSIR, DBT and MoEF. He has been awarded UGC-BSR Grant for distinguished achievements in his research field. He has also worked on biodiesel plants such as Pongamia and Jatropha and work on these plants laid foundation for others to initiate work in commercial lines.  He has also published ten books on various subjects published by national and international publishers. Twenty five Ph.Ds and 10 M.Phils were awarded under his guidance. Further, he is currently serving as a resource person for All India Radio, TV Channels, Consultant for issues relating to environment. Further, he is currently operating a DST Project on the reproductive biology keystone plant species. He is an expert-cum-reviewer for scores of scientific journals published by Elsevier, Springer publishers, Indian Publishers, US Publishers and African Publishers. He is the Chief Editor of Advances in Pollen-Spore Research and Journal of Palynology. He is the Expert member of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India in sanctioning the research projects.  

M. Mallikarjuna Rao, Andhra University

Mr. M. Mallikarjuna Rao is working as Project Fellow in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India.  He is doing research for Ph.D. degree.

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Published

2016-03-08

How to Cite

Jacob Solomon Raju, A., & Mallikarjuna Rao, M. (2016). POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF TARENNA ASIATICA (L.) KUNTZ EX. K. SCHUM. (RUBIACEAE), A KEYSTONE EVERGREEN SHRUB SPECIES IN THE EASTERN GHATS FOREST - ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA. Annali Di Botanica, 6, 97–104. https://doi.org/10.4462/annbotrm-13158

Issue

Vol. 6 (2016)

Section

Research Articles

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