Variation in the mating system of Vincetoxicum hirundinaria (Asclepiadaceae) in peripherial island populations.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Self-fertility may be selected for in small and isolated plant populations of normally outcrossing species. In addition, adaptations for self-fertility are likely to arise in island populations and in populations that are located at the border of the species range. The mating system of Vincetoxicum hirundinaria (Asclepiadaceae) is examined in island populations that are located at the northern border of the species range.

Methods

Pollination experiments were conducted under glasshouse conditions with plants from four populations.

Key results

The frequencies of self-fertile individuals were relatively high and did not differ among populations. Cross-pollination resulted in higher fruit set than self-pollination. However, fruit-set from self-pollinat

SUBMITTER: Leimu R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4242266 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature