Inter-and intraspecific variation in fern mating systems after long-distance colonization: the importance of selfing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous studies on the reproductive biology of ferns showed that mating strategies vary among species, and that polyploid species often show higher capacity for self-fertilization than diploid species. However, the amount of intraspecific variation in mating strategy and selfing capacity has only been assessed for a few species. Yet, such variation may have important consequences during colonization, as the establishment of any selfing genotypes may be favoured after long-distance dispersal (an idea known as Baker's law).

Results

We examined intra-and interspecific variation in potential for self-fertilization among four rare fern species, of which two were diploids and two were tetraploids: Asplenium scolopendrium (2n), Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens

SUBMITTER: de Groot GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3305374 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature