Contrasting effects of ploidy level on seed production in a diploid tetraploid system.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies demonstrated the effects of polyploidy on various aspects of plant life. It is, however, difficult to determine which plant characteristics are responsible for fitness differences between cytotypes. We assessed the relationship between polyploidy and seed production. To separate the effects of flowering phenology, flower head size and herbivores from other possible causes, we collected data on these characteristics in single flower heads of diploid and tetraploid Centaurea phrygia in an experimental garden. We used structural equation modelling to identify the main pathways determining seed production. The results showed that the relationship between polyploidy and seed production is mediated by most of the studied factors. The different factors acted in opposing direction

SUBMITTER: MUnzbergova Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5499820 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature