African Journal of
Plant Science

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Plant Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0824
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJPS
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 805

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of the modes of pollen dispersal of Vernonia amygdalina Del. and Vernonia calvoana Hook

Nguimkeng Gaintse Eric Dumas
  • Nguimkeng Gaintse Eric Dumas
  • Laboratory of Biotechnology and Environment, Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
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Zapfack Louis
  • Zapfack Louis
  • Laboratory of Botany and Ecology, Department of Plant Biology, University of Yaounde I, Faculty of Science, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
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Ntsomboh-Ntsefong Godswill
  • Ntsomboh-Ntsefong Godswill
  • Laboratory of Biotechnology and Environment, Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
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Temegne Nono Carine
  • Temegne Nono Carine
  • Laboratory of Biotechnology and Environment, Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
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Youmbi Emmanuel
  • Youmbi Emmanuel
  • Laboratory of Biotechnology and Environment, Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
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  •  Received: 24 March 2017
  •  Accepted: 24 April 2017
  •  Published: 30 September 2017

Abstract

The study of pollen dispersal and mode of fertilization of Vernonia amygdalina and Vernonia  calvoana is a prerequisite to the understanding of genetic diversity and elaboration of improvement programs for the Vernonia genus. In this study, precise experimental designs were made for morphological and biological observations on Vernonia species capitulum in order to assess the distinctive effects of each of the three possible pollen transportation agents (insects, wind and rain water) on pollination. Results obtained show that the exclusive mode of pollen dispersal is entomophilous. Even though allogamy and autogamy are observed as two possible modes of fertilization in Vernonia spp., some arguments tend to favour allogamy. However, there is no clear cut position on the issue, hence the need for confirmation by further experimentation in controlled pollination. This study paves the way for the establishment of a genetic improvement program for this genus based on the results on pollen dispersal.

 

Key words: Vernonia species, allogamy, autogamy, pollination agent.

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This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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