Asymmetrical natural hybridization varies among hybrid swarms between two diploid Rhododendron species.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The extent to which hybridization leads to gene flow between plant species depends on the structure of hybrid populations. However, if this varies between locations, species barriers might prove permeable in some locations but not in others. To assess possible variation in hybrid population structure, the magnitude and direction of natural hybridization between two Chinese endemic species, Rhododendron spiciferum and Rhododendron spinuliferum , were evaluated.

Methods

Thirteen nuclear microsatellite markers were employed to characterize 566 individuals collected from 15 non-allopatric populations and nine allopatric parental populations. Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences were obtained from a subset of samples. Genetic structure and direction of gene flow

SUBMITTER: Yan LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5737508 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature