D3066: Pollination ecology of the invasive Brazilian peppertree and impacts on wild plant-pollinator communities

Invasive plants can readily recruit pollinators in invaded landscapes. Such associations can facilitate their reproduction and alter native plant-pollinator interactions, with potential consequences for native plant reproduction and availability of preferred floral resources for native pollinators. Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) is an invasive tree that has spread throughout large parts of Florida. It has a diecious flowering system and requires insect vectors to transport its pollen. Because seedling recruitment is an important mode of reproduction for this species, evaluating the contribution of pollinators to its reproduction will enhance understanding of its invasiveness. The objectives of this research are to identify primary insect pollinators of S. terebinthifolius, evaluate spatial-dependent impacts of S. terebinthifolius on the reproduction of native plants and on pollinator diversity, and compare the floral resources of S. terebinthifolius to those of native plants. In fall 2020, surveys of pollinator visitation to S. terebinthifolius and cooccurring plants were conducted at five sites in southern Florida. Timed visual observations were conducted along 50-m transects, and pollinators were collected for identification and to conduct pollen analyses. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) and flies (Diptera) had the greatest visitation rates to S. terebinthifolius, followed by small bees (Halictidae) and wasps. Pollinators were observed visiting 12 cooccurring plant species, which compete with Brazilian peppertree for pollinators. Pollination efficacy, pollen deposition, and visitation rates of different pollinators to S. terebinthifolius and native plants will also be discussed. The data suggest S. terebinthifolius successfully attracts specific pollinator taxa, warranting further research on mechanisms and impacts.