Reproductive success, herbivory and ex situ conservation of Neoregelia ibitipocensis (Bromeliaceae): an endemic and endangered species from the Atlantic Forest

Abstract

Herbivory in plant reproductive tissues can severely reduce the fitness of the species, especially for those threatened with extinction. We investigated aspects of the reproductive ecology of Neoregelia ibitipocensis (Leme) Leme, an endangered species restricted to a few cloud forests sites in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Data on breeding systems, fertility, and viability of its populations are provided, as well as alternatives for development of strategies for ex situ conservation. Hand pollination experiments revealed that N. ibitipocensis is partially self-incompatible. Fruit and seeds were affected by intense herbivory caused by Tipulidae (Diptera) larvae. The predation reached 100% of the analysed infructescences during the first year of the study. We observed the production of parthenocarpic fruit both through controlled pollination experiments and under natural conditions. The potential for self-pollination and autogamy probably compensate for the reduced ability of the species to attract pollinators due to its small floral display. In the same way, parthenocarpy seems to represent a strategy to enhance the fitness of N. ibitipocensis, mitigating the effects of the predation. We developed an efficient protocol of in vitro multiplication, which represents a viable alternative for ex situ conservation of the species.