THE ECOLOGICAL PROFIT IN PHENOLOGY AND POLLINATION OF ALIEN SPECIES SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA (LOISEL) INTRODUCED TO COASTAL WETLANDS IN NORTHERN CHINA

摘要

For the plant species, effective phenology and pollination syndromes can increase viable seeds which enhance the species to colonize new areas. So the species with a suit of advantageous characteristics inherent in its reproductive ecology is critical to its dispersion. Spartina alterniflora -a perenial gras native to coastal marshes of America was introduced to China in 1979 and now it is distributed in the Tianjin coastal wetlands of northern China. Flowering phenology was examined and indicated that in northern localities, flowering initiated in mid-August and senescence occurred by the end of October. The pollen-ovule ratio was 9875 (±2150). Abundant pollen grains compensated for a lack of pollen viability. Pollen viability was 10% approximately when pollen released 4 hours, but stigma receptivity was above 10% when stigmas exserted 7 hours. Stigmas maintained viability longer than the period of pollen release, ensuring successful pollination. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe stigma surface characters and pollen viability. Further investigation proved stigma adaptations to increase pollen capture and exterior pollen tube growth following pollination was beneficial to fertilization. The results suggested that flowering phenology and pollination traits are vital to pollination and production of viable seed, enabling the species to spread rapidly and succeed in new habitats of northern China.