Pollen quality limits seed set in Burchardia umbellata (Colchicaceae)

In self-incompatible plants, interference by self pollen or genetically related pollen can potentially exacerbate pollen limitation, although this has rarely been demonstrated. We examined the breeding system, pollen limitation, and pollen interference using self- and cross- pollinations and pollen supplementations in Burchardia umbellata, an insect-pollinated lilioid monocot. Ovule fertilization and seed set were less following selfing than crossing (22 vs. 78% and 4 vs. 73%, respectively), indicating partial self-incompatibility. Flowers were partially protandrous, and flowers opened concurrently on plants potentially allowing self pollen interference. Natural seed set was pollen limited and varied within and among years, probably due to variation in flowering plant density. Interference by self or genetically related pollen caused pollen limitation as evidenced by increased seed set of bagged cross-pollinated plants compared to unbagged pollen-supplemented plants in two years. In 1996, both fertilization and seed set increased in response to cross-pollination, indicating that interference occurred in the style and ovary. In 1997, only seed set increased after cross-pollination indicating that interference occurred in the ovary. Inappropriate pollen deposition may contribute to pollen limitation more often than previously recognized and should select for floral traits that decrease deposition of self or related pollen.