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Abstract Detail



Molecular Ecology and Evolution

Singliarová, Barbora [1], Zozomová-Lihová, Judita [1], Mráz, Patrik [2], Mueller-Schaerer , Heinz [3], MARHOLD, KAROL [4].

Can differences in clonal growth explain the dominance of polyploids in diploid-polyploid primary contact zones?

Polyploidy has long been recognized as a significant force in the evolution of plants. It is known that genome duplication can induce changes in gene expression, physiology, ecological tolerance, morphology and/or life-history traits. Among other traits, clonality is associated with the incidence of polyploidy in vascular plants, however only few works tested the assumption that transition to polyploidy increases clonal reproduction in natural systems. In the present study, we aim to test whether clonal growth is greater in polyploid plants than in diploids using the Pilosella rhodopea as a model system. Pilosella rhodopea (Asteraceae) represents a diploid-polyploid complex with mixed-ploidy populations (2x-6x). Triploids are the most frequent cytotype, followed by tetraploids and diploids, whereas 5x and 6x are rare. Polyploids arise polytopically in primary contact zones of cytotypes, grow highly intermingled and are of autopolyploid origin. All ploidies are reproducing sexually, mate freely and are at least partially fertile, although seed set of polyploids is severely reduced. Moreover, a significant shift in proportion of cytotypes was found in seed progeny, where polyploids and especially triploids are extremely rare, what is in strike contrast to predominance of polyploids in almost all so far studied populations of P. rhodopea. Besides sexual reproduction, all cytotypes are able to spread also via underground stolons. Increased clonal growth of polyploids in comparison to their diploid counterparts could facilitate the establishment of rarely formed polyploids and thus explain their distributional success. The extent of clonality in diploids and polyploids of P. rhodopea is studied through (i) an analysis of spatial distribution and size of clones in two natural populations (microsatellite genotyping) and (ii) a quantification of accessory rosettes production in particular cytotypes (greenhouse experiments).


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1 - Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, Bratislava, SK-84523, Slovakia
2 - Charles University in Prague, Department of Botany, Benátská 2, Praha, CZ-12801, Czech Republic
3 - UNIVERSITY OF FRIBOURG, Department Of Biology, CH. DU MUSEE 10, FRIBOURG, N/A, CH-1700, Switzerland
4 - INSTITUTE OF BOTANY/SLOVAK ACAD SCI, DUBRAVSKA CESTA 9, BRATISLAVA, N/A, SK-845 23, Slovakia

Keywords:
Pilosella
Asteraceae
Compositae
polyploidy
microsatellites
clonal reproduction.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Eyrie/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PME002
Abstract ID:242
Candidate for Awards:None


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