Data from: Forest connectivity boosts pollen flow among populations of the oil-producing Nierembergia linariifolia

Context The process of forest fragmentation determines landscapes with
isolated forest patches immersed in a distinct matrix. This process may
hinder pollinator movement throughout the landscape, which may negatively
impact on pollen flow among native plant populations. Objectives We
evaluated the effect of the loss of forest connectivity on pollen
dispersal by specialized native bees in the oil-producing and
self-incompatible Nierembergia linariifolia. Methods We estimated pollen
flow between plants of N. linariifolia at an agroecosystem with remnant
forest of central Argentina. Six plant populations (source populations)
were treated with fluorescent dyes as pollen analogues, and stigmata of
recipient plants were collected to seek for dye particles. Dye deposition
rate was assessed for plants that were connected through remnant forest to
a source population or unconnected by a crop matrix, and at increasing
distances to a source population. Results Deposition rate per plant was
higher in connected than in unconnected plants, and decreased with
increasing distances to a source population in an exponential fashion.
Most of the dispersal events between connected plants occurred at the
vicinity of a source population. Long dispersal events (up to 1259 m) were
recorded between plants located at neighbouring forest patches separated
by an agricultural matrix. Conclusions Landscape connectivity through
forest remnants is key to enhance pollen flow between self-incompatible
plants such as N. linariifolia. Besides, the evidence of pollen dispersal
through the agricultural matrix pinpoints the essential role of native
pollinators in maintaining pollen flow among unconnected plant populations
in fragmented landscapes.