Long-distance pollen flow assessment through evaluation of pollinator foraging range suggests transgene escape distances
Author
Summary, in English
Foraging range, an important component of bee ecology, is of considerable interest for insect-pollinated plants because it determines the potential for outcrossing among individuals. However, long-distance pollen flow is difficuit to assess, especially when the plant also relies on self-pollination. Pollen movement can be estimated indirectly through population genetic data, but complementary data on pollinator flight distances is necessary to validate such estimates. By using radio-tracking of cowpea pollinator return flights, we found that carpenter bees visiting cowpea flowers can forage up to 6 km from their nest. Foraging distances were found to be shorter than the maximum flight range, especially under adverse weather conditions or poor reward levels. From complete flight records in which bees visited wild and domesticated populations, we conclude that bees can mediate gene flow and, in some instances, allow transgene (genetically engineered material) escape over several kilometers. However, most between-flower flights occur within plant patches, while very few occur between plant patches.
Department/s
Publishing year
2008
Language
English
Pages
13456-13461
Publication/Series
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Volume
105
Issue
36
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences
Topic
- Zoology
- Biological Sciences
Keywords
- cowpea
- Xylocopa flavorufa
- Vigna unguiculata
- radio-tracking
Status
Published
Research group
- Pheromone Group
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1091-6490