Roads and the Reproductive Ecology of Hesperidanthus Suffrutescens, an Endangered Shrub
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 5-2013 Roads and the Reproductive Ecology of Hesperidanthus suffrutescens, an Endangered Shrub Matthew B. Lewis Utah State University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd Part of the Animal Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Lewis, Matthew B., "Roads and the Reproductive Ecology of Hesperidanthus suffrutescens, an Endangered Shrub" (2013). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1449. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/1449 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at DigitalCommons@USU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@USU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ROADS AND THE REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY OF HESPERIDANTHUS SUFFRUTESCENS, AN ENDANGERED SHRUB by Matthew B. Lewis A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Ecology Approved: __________________________________ ________________________________ Eugene W. Schupp James H. Cane Major Professor Committee Member __________________________________ ________________________________ Thomas A. Monaco Mark R. McLellan Committee Member Vice President for Research and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Logan, Utah 2013 ii ABSTRACT Roads and the Reproductive Ecology of Hesperidanthus suffrutescens, an Endangered Shrub by Matthew B. Lewis, Master of Science Utah State University, 2013 Major Professor: Eugene W. Schupp Department: Wildland Resources I investigated the pollination ecology of Hesperidanthus suffrutescens, an endangered Utah shrub, as well as the effects that road dust and local plant density may have on successful reproduction. The breeding system study included four pollination treatments to determine the degree of self-compatibility. Flower visitors were collected and probable pollinators were identified. To determine the effects of road dust on reproduction, we measured dust deposition, plant size, and reproduction in plots of increasing distance from an unpaved road. We also measured dust effects on pollination success and stomatal conductance. We determined the number of individuals per plot and the relative isolation of individuals, and measured their reproductive success to determine any significant effects. Reproduction was measured as total fruit set per plant as well as estimates of total plant seeds and plant seed weight (mg). iii The results of the pollination treatments and the identity of pollinators are described in Chapter 2. Both autogamy and geitonogamy (selfing treatments) produced substantially and significantly fewer fruits, seeds, and seeds per fruit than xenogamy (outcrossing treatment). Additionally, outcrossed flowers produced significantly more fruits, seeds, and seeds per fruit than did open control flowers with no difference in mean seed weight. In total, 77 flower visitors were collected over the course of the study. Probable pollinators include several Andrena, Halictus, and Dialictus bees. The effects of road dust on the reproductive success of H. suffrutescens are discussed in Chapter 3. Dust deposition decreased with increased distance from the road and was significantly correlated with decreased fruit set for plants of a given size. Other reproductive metrics showed the same negative patterns although not significantly. The results suggest that dust may disrupt pollination and affect the physiology of plants, resulting in decreased reproduction. Dust deposition did not decrease pollination success of dusted flowers but did negatively impact stomatal conductance of leaves. The main effects of patch size and relative isolation on reproductive success are discussed in Chapter 4. Both patch size and relative isolation had no significant impacts on reproductive success. Increased patch size did indicate negative patterns on reproductive metrics, although not significantly. Similarly, increased isolation indicated increased reproductive success, although not significantly. (130 pages) iv PUBLIC ABSTRACT Matthew B. Lewis We studied the pollination ecology of the endangered Utah desert shrub, shrubby reed-mustard (Hesperidanthus suffrutescens). We also studied the impacts that dust from unpaved roads has on successful reproduction. In addition, we looked at the relationship between the total number of plants, the spacing of plants, and reproduction. We found that shrubby reed-mustard requires pollinators for successful pollination. Pollinators include many small native bees from the genera Andrena, Dialictus, and Halictus. Additionally, we found that reproduction of shrubby reed-mustard is limited, possibly due to scarcity of these bees. We found that dust from the road can decrease successful reproduction of shrubby reed- mustard likely due to a disruption in pollination success. Additionally, this dust can affect the physiology of plants and may also cause some of the reduced reproduction we found. While we did not find any significant effects of the number and spacing of plants on reproduction, the relationships suggest that these measures are important to successful reproduction. Land managers should make sure to conserve shrubby reed-mustard habitat to help conserve this endangered species and its pollinators. In addition, control of dust from unpaved roads should occur in areas with plants nearby. Overall, this study indicates that while the reproductive ecology of shrubby reed-mustard is complex, managers can use these results to assist in the conservation of this endangered Utah shrub. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would first like to thank my advisor, Dr. Eugene Schupp, for providing me with the opportunity to work on this project. This has been one of my most challenging yet rewarding journeys. Geno’s advice, insights, and scientific mentoring provided me with one of the most memorable experiences I have had. For this, I am very grateful. Secondly, I would like to thank my committee members, Dr. Thomas Monaco and Dr. James Cane, for their tireless efforts and commitment to the success of this research. Special thanks go to Susan Durham for excellent and insightful statistical advice and Janis Boettinger for logistical advice on dust samples. I would like to thank the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (award 601819G319) and Utah State University’s Utah Agricultural Experiment station and Ecology Center. Thanks to Marsha Bailey, Lana Barr, and especially Stephanie White for all of the help with the many administrative details. Many thanks go to friends and colleagues including Drew Rayburn, Jan Summerhays, Alexandra Reinwald, Jesse Poulos, and the many other friends who provided distraction when I needed it most. Thanks to Jessi Brunson for field assistance and logistics and Shannon Kay for taking care of my plant babies while I was in the field. I would also like to thank my family for their support, especially my mom, without whose love and hard work I would not be the person I am today. Finally, special thanks to my wife, Leah, for all of her patience, love, and support. Her help with all the school stress as well as her help at home has made all of my success possible. Thank you all. Matthew B. Lewis vi CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT .....................................................................................................................................................ii PUBLIC ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................................................iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................................................................................................................v LIST OF TABLES....................................................................................................................................... vii LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................................viii CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO ROAD DUST AND THE REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY OF HESPERIDANTHUS SUFFRUTESCENS, AN ENDANGERED SHRUB...................1 2. REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY OF THE ENDANGERED UTAH ENDEMIC HEPERIDANTHUS SUFFRUTESCENS WITH IMPICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION....................................................................................................................8 3. ROAD DUST CORRELATED WITH DECREASED REPRODUCTION OF AN ENDANGERED UTAH DESERT SHRUB (HESPERIDANTHUS SUFFRUTESCENS)..............................................................................................................56 4. THE ROLE OF DENSITY AND PATCH SIZE IN THE REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF THE ENDANGERED UTAH DESERT SHRUB HESPERIDANTHUS SUFFRUTESCENS .......................................................................92 5. CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................... 118 vii LIST OF TABLES Table Page 2.1 Generalized linear mixed-model analysis of fruit set ...............................................38 2.2 Generalized linear mixed-model analysis of seed set...............................................38 2.3 Generalized linear mixed-model analysis of seeds per fruit..................................38 2.4 Contingency table showing the frequency and percentage of seeds per fruit categories by treatment.........................................................................................................39