Evolution of the Selfing Syndrome in Arabis alpina (Brassicaceae)

Autor: Tedder, Andrew, Carleial, S., Gołębiewska, M., Kappel, C., Shimizu, K.K., Stift, M.
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2015
Předmět:
Druh dokumentu: Článek
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126618
Popis: Yes
Introduction The transition from cross-fertilisation (outcrossing) to self-fertilisation (selfing) frequently coincides with changes towards a floral morphology that optimises self-pollination, the selfing syndrome. Population genetic studies have reported the existence of both outcrossing and selfing populations in Arabis alpina (Brassicaceae), which is an emerging model species for studying the molecular basis of perenniality and local adaptation. It is unknown whether its selfing populations have evolved a selfing syndrome. Methods Using macro-photography, microscopy and automated cell counting, we compared floral syndromes (size, herkogamy, pollen and ovule numbers) between three outcrossing populations from the Apuan Alps and three selfing populations from the Western and Central Alps (Maritime Alps and Dolomites). In addition, we genotyped the plants for 12 microsatellite loci to confirm previous measures of diversity and inbreeding coefficients based on allozymes, and performed Bayesian clustering. Results and Discussion Plants from the three selfing populations had markedly smaller flowers, less herkogamy and lower pollen production than plants from the three outcrossing populations, whereas pistil length and ovule number have remained constant. Compared to allozymes, microsatellite variation was higher, but revealed similar patterns of low diversity and high Fis in selfing populations. Bayesian clustering revealed two clusters. The first cluster contained the three outcrossing populations from the Apuan Alps, the second contained the three selfing populations from the Maritime Alps and Dolomites. Conclusion We conclude that in comparison to three outcrossing populations, three populations with high selfing rates are characterised by a flower morphology that is closer to the selfing syndrome. The presence of outcrossing and selfing floral syndromes within a single species will facilitate unravelling the genetic basis of the selfing syndrome, and addressing which selective forces drive its evolution.
This work was supported by the University of Konstanz (Excellence Initiative Independent Research Startup Grant to MS, http://www.exzellenz.uni-konstanz.de/en/); the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant numbers CRSI33_127155 and Sinergia AVE 31003A_140917, http://www.snf.ch/en/Pages/default.aspx); the University of Zurich (University Research Priority Program Evolution in Action, http://www.uzh.ch/research/priorityprograms/university_en.html); and the Human Frontiers Science Program (Young Investigator Award to KKS, http://www.hfsp.org/). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
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