Scientia Agricola (2004) 61, 185-189

Maria Tereza Grombone-Guaratini, Vera Nisaka Solferini and João Semir (2004)
Reproductive biology in species of Bidens L. (Asteraceae)
Scientia Agricola 61 (2), 185-189
Abstract: Studies about reproductive biology of weed species can have implications on the establishment of controlling practices that minimize the effects of these weed populations on agricultural fields. The pollination biology of Bidens alba (L.) DC., B. pilosa L., and Bidens subalternans DC., was studied at different sites and climatic seasons. Bidens pilosa and B. subalternans are widely distributed in agricultural areas, in disturbed habitats, and along road sides. Bidens alba occur only along the coast. The three species are self-compatible and non agamospermous. The composition of the pollinator community changes during the year and between sites. Hymenopterans and lepidopterans are the most frequent visitors to Bidens species in both areas studied. Although the species are self-compatible, the presence of pollinators may affect the levels of inbreeding. The attraction of insects by Bidens species may be beneficial to agricultural crop and may also have important implications for conservation biology.
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Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Bidens pilosa (weed)		Brazil (south)
	Bidens alba (weed)		Brazil (south)
	Bidens subalternans (weed)		Brazil (south)