Evolutionary dynamics of mixed-ploidy populations in an annual herb: dispersal, local persistence and recurrent origins of polyploids.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Despite the recent wealth of studies targeted at contact zones of cytotypes in various species, some aspects of polyploid evolution are still poorly understood. This is especially the case for the frequency and success rate of spontaneous neopolyploidization or the temporal dynamics of ploidy coexistence, requiring massive ploidy screening and repeated observations, respectively. To fill this gap, an extensive study of spatio-temporal patterns of ploidy coexistence was initiated in the widespread annual weed Tripleurospermum inodorum (Asteraceae).

Methods

DNA flow cytometry along with confirmatory chromosome counts was employed to assess ploidy levels of 11 018 adult individuals and 1263 ex situ germinated seedlings from 1209 Central European populations.

SUBMITTER: Certner M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5737363 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature