The effects of pollen composition on fitness components in a neotropical herb

Summary Experimental pollinations of Costus allenii (Zingiberaceae) were conducted to assess the effects of pollen composition on fitness. Plants were selfed, outcrossed with the first nearest neighbor, and outcrossed with pollen mixtures obtained from the nearest 2, 3, and 5 plants. Cross type had a significant effect on seed production, seed weight and total-plant dry weight. Progeny from crosses with 3, and 5 parents grew significantly larger than selfed progeny, or those from 1-parent crosses. Competition experiments indicated the superiority of progeny from 3-, and 5-parent crosses over progeny from 1-parent crosses, but no differences in competitive ability were observed between progeny from 3-, and 5-parent crosses. Relative fitness, based on 1) seed production, 2) percent germination, and 3) dry weight, varied significantly among crosses, and was greatest for crosses with 3 parents and lowest for selfs. The relative fitness of progeny from 5-parent crosses was lower than that of all other outcrossed classes. We suggest that the significant effect of pollen composition on fitness results from variation in the genetic similarity of seed and pollen parents, which is a function of spatial distribution and population structure.     

Three New “Biological” Species of Tetrahymena (T. hegewischi n. sp., T. sonneborni n. sp., T. nipissingi n. sp.) and Temperature Tolerance of Members of the “pyriformis” Complex1

Stocks of the Tetrahymena pyriformis complex have been collected in North America and their mating reactivity has been studied. In addition to stocks mating with Tetrahymena americanis, T. borealis, T. pigmentosa, T. hyperangularis, and T. australis, stocks belonging to old syngen 5 and three new mating groups, numbers 13, 14, and 15, were discovered. Syngen 5 and groups 13 and 14 are distinct “biological” species, based on their reproductive isolation from other groups and on the ability of withingroup crosses to produce immature progeny. These species have been named T. hegewischi n. sp., T. sonneborni n. sp., and T. nipissingi n. sp., respectively. The cross between the two group 15 stocks did not produce immature progeny, and there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that this pair of stocks represents a separate species. Temperature tolerance measurements have been made on stocks representing all known micronucleate members of “pyriformis” complex. Within each species, the range of temperature tolerances is narrow; the average within-species standard deviation is 0.63°C. The species averages range from 32.7 to 40.7°C. Using syngen numbers, the order from lowest to highest temperature tolerance is 9, 8, 10, 7, 6, 4, 13, 14, 12, 11, 5, 3, 2, 1. The large differences among species make temperature tolerance a useful aid in identification, but the origins of the differences among species are unknown.     

Chromosome polymorphism in the yeast Saccharomyces

The variability of chromosomal band patterns was determined by pulse electrophoresis. The natural strains differed by the quantity and electrophoretic mobility of chromosomal DNA bands. The strains of independent genetic stocks originated from the XII race of Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed less significant difference in band patterns than the strains of different species of the Saccharomyces genus. The progeny of among strains with different karyotypes hybrid showed non-regular segregation of parental bands, the occurrence of new bands and the bands with altered mobility. Reverse crosses of hybrid progeny with strains of Peterhoff genetic stocks of S. cerevisiae led to decrease in chromosomal polymorphism. Homozygotization for ski5 allele and selection for increasing the copy number of killer plasmids was accompanied with repeated splash of polymorphism in 1-2 generations of intratetrad and intrafamily crossed hybrid progeny. Subsequent stabilization of electrophoretic karyotype took place, excluding the mendelian dimorphism of chromosome III, with was a stable trait of the last 6 generations of that progeny.     

Culture performance of different strains and crosses of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) reared under controlled conditions at Eilat, Israel

The European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is one of the most important commercial marine fish species in the Mediterranean basin. However, broodstock domestication and selective breeding on a production scale have yet to be exploited. We reared progeny of sea bass from three different strains and their crosses throughout the entire growth cycle to market size. Data sets were analyzed to assess whether culture performance differs among different strains and crosses reared under controlled laboratory conditions using both separate and communal rearing techniques. Strains and crosses of sea bass varied significantly for traits of economic interest such as growth, survival, body composition, sex ratio, sexual maturation patterns of males, and frequencies of body shape abnormalities. Lack of evidence for substantial heterosis for growth among reciprocal crosses was also detected. Significant sexual dimorphism for length and weight was evident in all strains and crosses. At market size, the resulting weight advantages of females varied between strains and crosses; overall average weight advantage for females was about 39%. Length and weight of individual fish were strongly correlated during different time intervals. This may be useful for the choice of selection criteria, raising the possibility that the response to selection for weight at market time may be achieved by conducting selection on young fish. Generally, the results showed a high culture potential of sea bass strains originating from the southeastern areas of the Mediterranean Sea, suggesting that these domesticated strains can be exploited in future selective breeding programs.     

Platelet storage pool disease in hybrid rats. F1 fawn-hooded rats derived from crosses with their putative ancestors (Rattus norvegicus)

Fawn-hooded rats have a hemorrhagic disorder known as platelet storage pool deficiency. Parent stocks of Fawn-hooded, Long-Evans, and Wistar (DAB) rats and the progeny of their reciprocal crosses were studied for coat color and percentage 14C-serotonin uptake and secretion by blood platelets. Progeny of Fawn-hooded and Wistar reciprocal crosses were dark- or light-hooded, whereas all reciprocal crosses with the Long-Evans stock were dark-hooded. The light or fawn hood was significantly associated with the reduced serotonin uptake and secretion characteristic of storage pool efficiency.     

Biology of Australian and United States strains of Trissolcus basalis,a parasitoid of the green vegetable bug,Nezara viridula

Strains of Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) Hymenoptera: Scelionidae, an egg parasitoid of the green vegetable bug, Nezara viridula (L.), were obtained from three regions of Australia and from Homestead, Florida (USA). Percent parasitoid emergence was approximately the same for freezer-stored (-75°C) and fresh eggs, and freezer-stored eggs were suitable hosts for a longer time. Optimum host age, oviposition and emergence patterns, mean number of progeny per female, sex ratio and longevity were examined and certain comparisons were made between the Australian and USA parasitoids. Genetic crosses made between males and females of each strain revealed that reproductive isolation did not occur. Higher fecundity of the Australian strains may make them more successful than indigenous (USA) strains for controlling pest populations of N. viridula in the southern USA.     

Enhanced diversity and aflatoxigenicity in interspecific hybrids of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus

Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus are the two most important aflatoxin‐producing fungi responsible for the contamination of agricultural commodities worldwide. Both species are heterothallic and undergo sexual reproduction in laboratory crosses. Here we examine the possibility of interspecific matings between A. flavus and A. parasiticus. These species can be distinguished morphologically and genetically, as well as by their mycotoxin profiles. Aspergillus flavus produces both B aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), B aflatoxins or CPA alone, or neither mycotoxin; Aspergillus parasiticus produces B and G aflatoxins or the aflatoxin precursor O‐methylsterigmatocystin, but not CPA. Only four of forty‐five attempted interspecific crosses between opposite mating types of A. flavus and A. parasiticus were fertile and produced viable ascospores. Single ascospore strains from each cross were shown to be recombinant hybrids using multilocus genotyping and array comparative genome hybridization. Conidia of parents and their hybrid progeny were haploid and predominantly monokaryons and dikaryons based on flow cytometry. Multilocus phylogenetic inference showed that experimental hybrid progeny were grouped with naturally occurring A. flavus L strain and A. parasiticus. Higher total aflatoxin concentrations in some F1 progeny strains compared to midpoint parent aflatoxin levels indicate synergism in aflatoxin production; moreover, three progeny strains synthesized G aflatoxins that were not produced by the parents, and there was evidence of allopolyploidization in one strain. These results suggest that hybridization is an important diversifying force resulting in the genesis of novel toxin profiles in these agriculturally important fungi.     

Aberrant segregation of R-locus genes in male progeny from incompatible crosses in Mormoniella

Crosses of females from Mormoniella stocks containing pe-333 type cross incompatibility with males from stocks lacking the incompatibility produced progeny that included 29 males with unexpected eye colors. Eight of these males gave rise to stocks that included some individuals with "speckled" eyes, containing sectors or spots of different colors. In these stocks there were unexpectedly low frequencies of transmission of the new phenotypes to progeny. Phenotypes, and results of crosses, are consistent with the hypothesis that the original males and the stocks that they sired contained extra bits of chromatin contributed by the sperm of the males used in the incompatible crosses. In these stocks, these pieces are transmitted with greater frequency by sperm than by eggs, and are occasionally lost in mitosis (producing "speckled" eyes). Data also indicate that the extra chromatin contains only the O and S factors, or the O factor alone, of the eye color locus R. Examination of spermatogonia shows an extra piece of chromatin in cells of males with phenotypes that suggest the presence of such a piece. The piece has not been found in spermatogonia of controls.     

Magnification of rRNA gene number in a Neurospora crassa strain with a partial deletion of the nucleolus organizer

Some progeny from crosses between the Neurospora crassa translocation strain T(IL VL)OY321 and normal sequence N. crassa strains are duplication strains with a partial deletion of the nucleolus organizer. Despite the deletion, these progeny are viable and produce a functional nucleolus. Quantification of rRNA gene number in these deletion progeny demonstrated a significant loss of rRNA genes, down to 60% of the parental wild-type level. Initially, all of these reduced nucleolus organizer (RNO) strains demonstrated a reduction in the rate of mycelial elongation in growth tubes. After several vegetative growth cycles some progeny reverted to the normal growth phenotype, and also showed an increase in the number of rRNA genes to approximately that of the wild type.     

Genetic and physiological variability among cultured cells and regenerated plants of Nicotiana tabacum

Summary Tobacco cell lines selected for resistance to picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid) and plants regenerated from these cell lines manifest several traits not shown by the parental strains. Genetics analyses of the regenerated plants have permitted the sources of this variability to be identified.Tricotyledenous seedlings appeared at a much higher frequency among the progeny of a heterozygous mutant plant (PmR1/+) regenerated from culture than they did among progeny of normal regenerated plants. In crosses with the regenerated heterozygous mutant plant and with homozygous progeny of this plant (PmR1/PmR1) the frequency of tricotyly was influenced more by the generation than by the genotype of the parent plant. Therefore, it is concluded that tricotyly is a physiological response to passage through cell culture.More than half of the picloram-resistant cell lines isolated were also resistant to hydroxyurea. Segregation of these two resistances was analyzed in progeny of crosses with regenerated plants. In all cases hydroxyurea-resistance was genetically stable and inherited as a single dominant nuclear mutation (designated HuR). In crosses with plants PmR1/+ and PmR7/+ the HuR and PmR mutations assorted independently. In contrast, the HuR mutation recovered from plant PmR6/+ was linked to the PmR6 mutation.     

Interspecies Crosses in Paramecium aurelia (Syngen 4 by Syngen 8)*

Two syngens (biologic species) of Paramecium aurelia that appear to be closely related were crossed. Parental stocks carrying different homozygous recessive marker genes were utilized to identify true hybrids (those that had undergone cross-fertilization followed by normal nuclear processes). From these crosses of syngens 4 and 8, 32% of the conjugants survived but only 9% (27% of the survivors) were true hybrids. All 19 viable hybrids recovered were cytoplasmically descended from the syngen 8 parent; but the viable nonhybrids were cytoplasmically descended from either of the 2 parents and with equal frequency from each. Surprisingly, the hybrids could not be infected with the symbiont kappa, even though they should have carried a K gene donated by their syngen 4 parent which is necessary and sufficient to allow infection of the syngen 4 parent stocks. The hybrids required special care to cultivate and were sterile, thus indicating that they are at an evolutionary dead end. However, one type of nonhybrid clone produced by the intersyngenic conjugants was able to produce viable progeny. It is speculated that genetic elements of the cortex and in the cytoplasm (e.g. mitochondria) could be transferred intersyngenically via this type of nonhybrid clone.     

Fate of DNA encoding hygromycin resistance after meiosis in transformed strains of Gibberella fujikuroi (Fusarium moniliforme)

Stability of foreign DNA transformed into a novel host is an important parameter in decisions to permit the release of genetically engineered microorganisms into the environment. Meiotic instability of transformed DNA has been reported in fungi such as Ascobolus, Aspergillus, and Neurospora. We used strains of Gibberella fujikuroi (Fusarium moniliforme) transformed with the hygr gene from Escherichia coli to study meiotic stability of foreign DNA in this plant pathogenic fungus. Crosses with single-copy transformants segregated hygr:hygs in a 1:1 manner consistent with that expected for a Mendelian locus in a haploid organism. Multicopy transformants, however, segregated hygr:hygs in a 1:2 manner that was not consistent with Mendelian expectations for a chromosomal marker, even though two unrelated auxotrophic nuclear genes were segregating normally. Segregation ratios in crosses in which hygr was introduced via the male parent did not differ significantly from crosses in which the transformed strain served as the female parent. Some of the sensitive progeny from the crosses with the multicopy transformants carried hygr sequences. When these phenotypically sensitive progeny were crossed with a wild-type strain that carried no hygr sequences, some of the progeny were phenotypically hygr. Some progeny from some crosses were more resistant to hygromycin than were their sibs or the transformant strains that served as their parents. Transformants passaged through a maize plant only rarely segregated progeny with the high levels of resistance. The mechanism underlying these genetic instabilities is not clear but may involve unequal crossing over or methylation or both. Further work with cloned genes with homology to sequences already present in the Fusarium genome is warranted.     

Fate of DNA encoding hygromycin resistance after meiosis in transformed strains of Gibberella fujikuroi (Fusarium moniliforme).

Stability of foreign DNA transformed into a novel host is an important parameter in decisions to permit the release of genetically engineered microorganisms into the environment. Meiotic instability of transformed DNA has been reported in fungi such as Ascobolus, Aspergillus, and Neurospora. We used strains of Gibberella fujikuroi (Fusarium moniliforme) transformed with the hygr gene from Escherichia coli to study meiotic stability of foreign DNA in this plant pathogenic fungus. Crosses with single-copy transformants segregated hygr:hygs in a 1:1 manner consistent with that expected for a Mendelian locus in a haploid organism. Multicopy transformants, however, segregated hygr:hygs in a 1:2 manner that was not consistent with Mendelian expectations for a chromosomal marker, even though two unrelated auxotrophic nuclear genes were segregating normally. Segregation ratios in crosses in which hygr was introduced via the male parent did not differ significantly from crosses in which the transformed strain served as the female parent. Some of the sensitive progeny from the crosses with the multicopy transformants carried hygr sequences. When these phenotypically sensitive progeny were crossed with a wild-type strain that carried no hygr sequences, some of the progeny were phenotypically hygr. Some progeny from some crosses were more resistant to hygromycin than were their sibs or the transformant strains that served as their parents. Transformants passaged through a maize plant only rarely segregated progeny with the high levels of resistance. The mechanism underlying these genetic instabilities is not clear but may involve unequal crossing over or methylation or both. Further work with cloned genes with homology to sequences already present in the Fusarium genome is warranted.     

Scope for genetic enhancement of the parasitisation potential of four native strains of Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr. lutea Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in Kenya

In response to emerging interest in commercial mass production of Trichogramma for Helicoverpa armigera biocontrol in eastern Africa, laboratory experiments were undertaken to assess the scope for genetic enhancement of the parasitisation potential of native strains of the local common trichogrammatid species, Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr. lutea. Four promising strains (ex-Kilifi – Kilifi District, ex-Kwa Chai – Kibwezi District, ex-Rarieda – Bondo District and ex-Ebuhayi, Kakamega District) were tested for cross-mating in reciprocal combinations with focus on fecundity and progeny female ratio. While all the crosses resulted in F1 progeny of both sexes, significant differences were observed between homogamic and reciprocal heterogamic crosses in fecundity, progeny production, proportion of female progeny and adult longevity. Among all the crosses, the cross between ex-Rarieda strain females and ex-Kilifi strain males resulted in progeny that was significantly superior in fecundity and progeny female ratio. Conversely, Kilifi strain females crossed to males from ex-Rarieda strain gave rise to progeny with relatively low fecundity and female ratio. There were significant differences between homogamic crosses and most reciprocal heterogamic crosses in the major biological attributes. Genotypic and phenotypic variance-covariance matrices generated for six life-history traits showed high positive correlations for most traits in both inbred (P<0.05) and reciprocal heterogamic crosses (P<0.05 and P<0.001). Fecundity and number of female offspring were the most important factors in the heterogamic crosses. The results confirmed the scope for genetic enhancement through inter-strain crossing for improving the field impact potential of T. sp. nr. lutea being targeted for commercial mass production.     

Suicide is not the inevitable outcome of “perpetual” selfing in tetrahymenines collected from natural habitats

A significant fraction of the Tetrahymena clones isolated from natural habitats self (mating occurs within a clone). Early attempts to study such clones failed because stable subclones were rarely, if ever, observed, and isolated pairs all died. Isozyme analysis revealed that these wild selfers were a diverse group; some were very similar to T. australis, a species with synclonal mating type determination and to T. elliotti, shown recently to have a karyonidal mating type system. One originally stable clone of T. australis included some selfing clones after a few years in our laboratory. Other clones manifested unique zymograms. Subclones isolated from 18 selfer strains were heterogeneous. All subclones of several selfers mated massively at each transfer through 100 fissions. Selfing among subclones of other selfers was highly variable or not observed. Although 77% of the pairs isolated died, and 9% of the pair cultures selfed, 15 selfers yielded some viable nonselfing “immature” progeny. Additional immature progeny were obtained by isolating pairs from macronuclear retention synclones. Although some “immature” progeny eventually selfed, most remained stable. Giemsa staining revealed macronuclear anlagen in nearly all mating pairs and some anomalies. Crosses among the F1 progeny clones of the T. elliotti selfers yield viability data comparable to those from crosses among normal strains. Perhaps perpetual selfing is a mechanism of getting rid of deleterious combinations of genes and uncovering better combinations in homozygous state by playing genetic roulette. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Electrophoretic Variation for X Chromosome-Linked Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyl Transferase (Hprt) in Wild-Derived Mice

An electrophoretic variation for hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase, HPRT, has been identified in samples of Mus spretus, a field mouse from southern Europe and in M. m. castaneus, a house mouse from southeast Asia. These mice will interbreed with laboratory mice to produce viable, fertile F₁ progeny. The variation for HPRT segregates as an X chromosome gene in F₁ and backcross progeny. Linkage analysis involving the markers Pgk-1 and Ags indicated a gene order of centromere— Hprt—Pgk-1—Ags in crosses involving both stocks of wild mice.     

Geographic variation in diapause induction and mode of diapause inheritance in Tetranychus pueraricola

Abstract:  Diapause induction and photoperiodic response curves were determined for 33 strains of Tetranychus pueraricola derived from kudzu vine at three constant temperatures (15, 18 and 20°C) under a short-day condition (10 : 14 h; light : dark). Females of all but one of the strains entered diapause at all three temperatures with little variation in diapause percentages among the strains. The exception was the southernmost strain, which was found to be a non-diapause (ND) strain. The critical photoperiod gradually decreased towards the south at a rate of about 1 h for each 5 degrees of latitude. The diapause strains (D1 and D2) exhibited 100% diapause, whereas the ND strain exhibited 0% diapause. By crossing these strains, we determined that 'non-diapause' was a dominant character over 'diapause' and the character was controlled by simple Mendelian inheritance. To clarify why the female progeny from the crosses between the D1 and ND strains did not segregate into the diapause and non-diapause phenotypes in a 1:1 ratio in the B₁ generation, round-robin crosses were carried out among the three strains. The results showed that the F₁ generation was reproductively compatible and showed high egg hatchability with a female-biased sex ratio. In the B₁ generation, the crosses between the D1 and ND strains and between the D1 and D2 strains exhibited extremely low egg hatchability and produced mostly female progeny, whereas offspring from the crosses between the D2 and ND strains showed more than 50% hatchability for B₁ eggs and a female-biased sex ratio. Thus, the absence of segregation observed in the crosses between the D1 and ND strains appears to be due to the severe hybrid breakdown that occurred in the B₁ generation.     

Does intraspecific hybridization contribute to the evolution of invasiveness?: an experimental test

One of the major objectives of research on invasive species is to determine the relative importance of different evolutionary and ecological forces in the invasion process. It was recently suggested that post-introduction intraspecific hybridization between previously isolated genotypes could produce novel and/or heterotic progeny that might express enhanced invasiveness. We tested this hypothesis with Silene latifolia, a European native that has successfully invaded North America and has previously been shown to have undergone genetic change since its introduction. In a common garden experiment we compared the performance of plants derived from within and between population crosses from eight European and 18 North American populations. Results showed that there was no significant effect of crossing distance on progeny phenotype. Furthermore, progeny from within or between population crosses did not differ in size, reproductive output or survival. Collectively, these results suggest that the invasive phenotype of S. latifolia is likely the result of natural selection and/or genetic drift rather than intraspecific hybridization.     

HYBRID BREAKDOWN IN DEVELOPMENTAL TIME IN THE COPEPOD TIGRIOPUS CALIFORNICUS

Laboratory crosses were carried out among three genetically differentiated Los Angeles populations (all located within approximately 15 km) and one San Diego population (approximately 150 km away) of the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus. Despite high levels of allozyme differentiation, all crosses produced viable F₁ progeny. Most F₁ progeny had shorter developmental times and reduced variance in developmental times compared to the parental populations. Only one pair of populations failed to produce viable F₂ progeny; when the central Los Angeles population (AB) was crossed to the San Diego (SD) population, most larvae died during the late naupliar stages. Developmental times in the F₂ generation of the other Los Angeles × San Diego crosses were typically 40% longer than developmental times of the parental populations. Among the Los Angeles populations, only one cross (and not its reciprocal) showed a similarly large increase in developmental time. Variance in F₂ developmental times was greater than the parental variance in 5 of 10 crosses. These results are discussed with regard to the evolution of coadapted gene complexes and population differentiation in T. californicus.     

GENETICS OF GRACILARIA TIKVAHIAE (RHODOPHYCEAE). XI. FURTHER CHARACTERIZATION OF A BISEXUAL MUTANT1,2

A spontaneous bisexual mutant of Gracilaria tikvahiae McLachlan has been further characterized. Female plants that are carriers for the mutation, but do not themselves express bisexuality, have been identified among progeny derived from the original bisexual male plant. In crosses to normal males these carrier females yielded normal tetrasporophytes which in the subsequent gametophyte generation produced a 2 female: 1 male: 1 bisexual segregation. In crosses to bisexual males the carrier females produced unusual tetrasporophytes that formed cystocarps in addition to tetraspores. The gametophyte generation obtained from the tetraspores of these tetrasporophytes included only females and bisexuals, these being present in a 1:1 ratio. Other crosses, using bisexual male progeny, indicated that these have the same characteristics as the original bisexual mutant. All of the results are consistent with the genetic interpretation made previously that bisexuality results from a single recessive mutation, designated bi, in a gene distinct from the mt locus controlling male vs. female differentiation. From the phenotypes that have been observed it appears that the mutation does not cause bisexuality per se but rather results in unregulated female expression in males and tetrasporophytes where female-specific genes are normally repressed. It is suggested that the normal bi⁺ allele plays an important role in that repression process. The origin of the bisexual mutation has been re-examined by studying the progenitor stock of the mutation and stocks related to it. It appears that the bisexual mutation arose in a two-step process, first to a low level of expression that is found in the progenitor stocks and then to the high level of expression found in mutant clone 1045(bi) and its descendants.