| Abstract Detail
Reproductive Processes Lockhart, Samuel [1], Ballard Jr, Harvey [1]. Reproductive contributions of chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers in four mixed-breeding violets in Ohio. Plant breeding systems are characterized by the mechanism by which offspring are produced. Endpoints of the continuum of sexual reproduction are represented by outcrossing, where two genetically distinct plants contribute hereditary material to offspring, and selfing, where one organism acts as both pollen and seed parent. A specialized form of selfing exhibited by many plants is cleistogamy, a mechanically enforced self-pollination strategy involving closed, bud-like flowers. This breeding system contrasts with chasmogamy, which involves open, showy flowers with the potential to cross-pollinate. The plant species that maintain both breeding systems display a chasmogamous/cleistogamous mixed breeding. Most species of Viola (violets) exhibit the chasmogamous/cleistogamous mixed breeding system; however, many are understudied, and basic life history traits, such as reproductive contributions of floral forms, are not well understood. In addition, the impact of environmental factors, including light, temperature, water availability, and soil characters, on the breeding system has only recently been examined in violets. The present study addresses the previous gaps in knowledge in the taxonomically complex high polyploid stemless blue violet lineage, Viola subsect. Boreali-Americanae, in central and southeastern Ohio. To answer these questions, three populations each of four mixed-breeding stemless blue violets were surveyed for the entirety of their reproductive season. Total reproduction in flowers, capsules, and seeds were recorded for 12 to 15 plants per population. Environmental variables were regularly measured across populations. Along with additional studies into the consequences of breeding systems on population genetic diversity, the importance of chasmogamous and cleistogamous reproduction to the establishment and maintenance of populations will be elucidated.
1 - Ohio University, ENVIR & PLANT BIOLOGY-PORTER H, 315 Porter Hall, Athens, OH, 45701, United States
Keywords:
Cleistogamy
reproductive biology
selfing
Outcrossing.
Presentation Type: Poster
Number: PRP001
Abstract ID:201
Candidate for Awards:None |
