Christie Dang
Project Description
"Post-pollination development in water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata"
Hydrophily is a rare mechanism of pollination found in angiosperms in which pollen is transported to the stigmas via the water surface or through underwater currents. Water pollination is known to be correlated with certain pollen traits, but little is known about the consequences of the transition to hydrophily for post pollination development. In this study, characteristics of the life history stage between pollination and fertilization of the water-pollinated plant, S. pectinata, were examined. Flowers of Stuckenia pectinata were hand pollinated and then collected at specific time intervals. The flowers were stained with aniline blue and then observed under a light microscope and imaged. The germination status of each pollen grain was documented and the length of the longest pollen tube was measured. The timing of stigma receptivity, pollen reception and germination, as well as ovule entry was documented. Results from this study will be compared to similar studies done with related hydrophilous species to better characterize this life history stage in water pollinated plants.
Presentations
2016
Botany 2016 (abstract)
Nebraska Academy of Sciences
Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium
Creighton University Research Day
2017
Nebraska Academy of Sciences
Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium
Creighton University Research Day
Botany 2016 (abstract)
Nebraska Academy of Sciences
Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium
Creighton University Research Day
2017
Nebraska Academy of Sciences
Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium
Creighton University Research Day
Publications
Taylor, M.L. *B.L. Giffei, *C.L. Dang, *A.E. Wilden, *K. M. Altrichter, *E.C. Baker, *R. Nguyen, and *D.S Oki. Reproductive ecology and postpollination development in the hydrophilous monocot Ruppia maritima. American Journal of Botany 107: 689–699