Entomological Society of Canada Student Member Information Form

Name: Tyler Wist

University: University of Saskatchewan

Address: 203G 141-105th St. West 

E-mail Address: tyler.wist@usask.ca

Advisor(s): Art Davis

Thesis Title: Pollination ecology of Echinacea angustifolia and E. purpurea in Saskatchewan

Research Summary:I am investigating the pollination ecology of Echinacea angustifolia as a specialty crop in Saskatchewan and studying the floral rewards (pollen and especially nectar) presented by both E. angustifolia and E. purpurea. I am identifying the diversity of insects that visit inflorescences of E. angustifolia and evaluating their pollination efficiencies by quantifying pollen tubes and by the novel method of style shriveling. I have also attempted to supplement pollination by native insects with a readily available, managed pollinator, the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata). Through this project I have also utilized scanning and transmission electron microscopy to study the nectaries of E. angustifolia and E. purpurea. The ultimate goal of this project is to prevent pollen limitation from occurring in cultivated stands of E. angustifolia from a lack of insect visitation.

Keywords: Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, pollination efficiency, floral attractants, Megachile rotundata, native pollinators



Degrees Sought: M.Sc.

Expected Year of Completion: 2005

Publication(s):

I- Referred publications

Wist T.J. and Davis A.R. Floral nectar production and nectary anatomy and ultrastructure of Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae). Annals of Botany (accepted pending minor revision).
Gillott C. Wist T.J. and Wolfe J. 2003. Bee flies, blister beetles and the grasshopper connection. Blue Jay 61(4): 214-217.
Wist T.J. and Davis A.R. 2004. The pollinators of Echinacea angustifolia in Saskatchewan. Proceedings of the Soils and Crops 2004 Conference. February 1-20, University of Saskatchewan, 5 pp.