BOT 6921 - Workshop:

Field Techniques in Pollination Biology

Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in OE 270

Dr. Suzanne Koptur OE 232, ph. 348-3103

e-mail: kopturs@fiu.edu http://www.fiu.edu/~kopturs

  In this workshop students will learn the techniques necessary to do a thorough study of the pollination biology of most flowering plants.  We will examine several species using basic methods, and simple instruments for field observations, measurements, and manipulations.  Certain aspects will be continued in the lab, using dissecting and compound microscopes to observe and measure certain features.  Individual projects will be pursued and results presented at the final meeting.
Date 
Topic 
12 October
Introduction.  Pollination Syndromes. 
Floral biology and floral behavior.  Measurement of floral parts.
19 October 
Floral rewards.  Measurement of nectar volumes and concentrations. 

26 October

SK in Gainesville, EPAC meeting
2 November Pollen/ovule ratios.  Compatibility determination by hand-pollinations
9 November
 Capture and study of flower visitors.  Pollinator exclusion experiments. 
16 November
 Assessing visitor activity.  Measuring pollen dispersal.  Pollinator preferences.
23 November

 Thanksgiving Holiday, no meeting
30 November
 Final presentations
 
Kearns, C. A. and D.W. Inouye. 1993. Techniques for Pollination Biologists. University Press of Colorado.
Buchman, S. and G. Nabhan. 1996. The Forgotten Pollinators. Island Press. Washington, D.C.
Proctor, M., P. Yeo, and A. Lack. 1996. The Natural History of Pollination. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon.
Recommended texts can be obtained many places (support your independent booksellers!)