Seminar on Jul 26 (W): Prof. Yan-Qiong Peng, Ecological mechanism of fig and fig wasp coevolution

The Biodiversity and Biocomplexity (Economo) Unit would like to invite you to a seminar by Prof. Yan-Qiong Peng from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.

Date: Wednesday, July 26th, 2017

Time: 11:00-12:00

Venue: Seminar Room C700, Lab 3

Speaker: Prof. Yan-Qiong Peng from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Title: Ecological mechanism of fig and fig wasp coevolution

Abstract: Ficus is a pan-tropical genus of trees, they are characterized by the unique syconium and distinctive pollination syndrome. There are about 800 species of fig trees, which are thought to be keystone species in the tropical forests. The relationship between fig and pollinating fig wasp is a striking example of an obligate plant–insect mutualism, and molecular evidence suggests that the relationship existed 75 My. However, how is fig-fig wasp mutualism maintained? In Xishuangbanna, we focus on researching ecological mechanism of fig-fig wasp coevolution using the methods of ecology, behaviour, chemical ecology and molecular ecology. The results showed that one Ficus species had only one species of pollinating fig wasp in most cases, but more and more cases broke down one-to-one rule. Two species of pollinators were found to evolve into cheaters that did not pollinate because of absent host sanction. In order to effectively reproduction, fig-fig wasp mutualism was strong phenotypic co-adaptation, and both partners directly mediated the mutualistic reproduction. Fig pollinators were attracted by volatile compounds emitted by receptive figs of their host Ficus. The species-specific chemical signal was composed of common compounds with different ratio, and minor compounds had a major role in the attraction too. Moreover, flower phenology of Ficus species closely connected to maintain the life cycle of fig-fig wasp mutualism, the mismatching phenologies decreased seed and wasp production. Except for pollinating fig wasps, figs were also exploited by non-pollinating fig wasps, gall midges, nematodes and ants, which influenced fig-fig wasp reproduction and coevolution.

Key words: Ficus, Agaonidae, pollination, mutualism, coevolution, coexistence

We hope to see many of you at the seminar.

Sincerely,

Chisa

Economo Unit