Pollinator and nonpollinator selection on ray morphology in Leucanthemum vulgare (oxeye daisy, Asteraceae)

Abstract

Despite evidence that both pollinators and nonpollinator agents of selection can shape the evolution of floral characters, there have been few attempts to compare the strengths and directions of selection from pollinators and other agents in the same study system. In this investigation of Leucanthemum vulgare, a self-incompatible composite known for its conspicuous white rays, I obtained data from a ray removal experiment in the field and from a segregating F(2) population in an experimental garden to assess the role of pollinator and nonpollinator selection as stabilizing factors on floral evolution in this species. Removal of all rays reduced the pollination success of heads by 31-35%, but did not significantly affect the level of infestation by larvae of the fly Tephritis neesii. Data from F(2) plants indicated a potential for indirect selection on ray morphology, mediated through links between ray morphology and measures of vegetative size and plant vigor. The results of this study show that individuals of the normal, rayed phenotype have a clear selective advantage, in terms of both pollinator attraction and general plant vigor. Thus, there were no conflicting selection pressures between the pollinators and the other selective agents considered in this study.