| Abstract Detail
Lightning Talks – Germinating Ideas Mukhtar, Usama [1], Tate, Jennifer [2]. Physiological and Morphological changes in Tragopogon (Asteraceae) Allopolyploids. Allopolyploidy has been a significant evolutionary force across the eukaryotic tree of life, particularly in plants. Newly formed polyploids inherit traits from their progenitors but may also show transgressive characters that allow them to inhabit different areas and/or outcompete their parents in similar habitats. As part of a larger study aimed at understanding genomic changes that accompany allopolyploidization and cytonuclear coordination, we are investigating anatomical and physiological characteristics in Tragopogon miscellus, a recent, recurrent, and reciprocally formed allopolyploid. This species formed naturally in the last 100 years from hybridization between T. dubius and T. pratensis. Comparative internal leaf anatomy is being studied to document differences in tissue patterns among the reciprocally formed allopolyploid forms and their parental species. We are also studying differences in the morphology and physiology of the diploids and polyploids under different climatic conditions. Days to germination, number of leaves, shoot and root biomass among other characteristics are being documented for plants grown under three different temperature conditions (10°, 20°, 30° C) and with varying watering treatments. Data gathered thus far will be presented. Currently, our results indicate a difference in optimal climatic growth conditions among the polyploids and diploids which may be caused by differences in leaf anatomy and physiology.
1 - Massey University, School Of Fundamental Sciences, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, MWT, 4442, New Zealand
2 - Massey University, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
Keywords:
polyploidy
physiology
Tragopogon
Evolution.
Presentation Type: Germinating Ideas Lightning Talk
Number: LT2009
Abstract ID:419
Candidate for Awards:Phytochemical Best Poster Award |
