Pollination Biology of Mesogyne Insignis Engler in the Amani Nature Reserve, East Usambara Mountain Forests Tanzania

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Pollination biology of mesogyne insignis engler in the amani nature reserve, East Usambara mountain forests Tanzania Moses Iwatasia Olotu Master of Science in Integrated Environmental Management University of Dar es Salaam, College of Natural and Applied Science, 2009. Fig pollination is a well-known scenario of obligate mutualism involving specialized fig wasp (Agaonidae) and Ficus species (Moraceae). However, pollination biology and possible pollination are poorly understood in Mesogyne (Castilleae), the recently identified sister group of Ficus. Furthermore, little is known about the effects of forest fragmentation on reproductive success of M.insignis and diversity of pollinators. This study was carried out in East Usambara Mountain forests in 2008 and the major aim was to investigate on the pollination biology of Mesogyne insignis. The specific objectives were (i) to identify possible pollinators of M. insignis, (ii) to compare the abundance of pollinators between forest fragments and intact forests and (iii) to evaluate the effect of pollinators on reproduction of M. insignis. Visual observation, insect trapping and pollinator exclusion experiments were the methods used. Diversity of Arthroped orders trapped from intact forest (10) was significantly higher than those from forest fragments (8) (P˂ 0.001). most of the morphotype in the genus Megachile and family Vespidae were observed actively feeding on M. insignis flower parts and are considered to be potential pollinators. Additionally, thrips, the symbionts of M. insignis flower seems to be responsible for pollination of this species as revealed from fine mesh exclusion experiment. Overall, the total number of fruits set was significantly higher diversity and abundance of potential pollinators in an intact forest. A similar study should be conducted in other Eastern are Mountains where M. insignis grows in order to find out if the potential pollinators are similar or not. THS EAF QK926.T34 O46 .

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