Predicting the pathway to wind pollination: heritabilities and genetic correlations of inflorescence traits associated with wind pollination in Schiedea salicaria (Caryophyllaceae)

The transition from biotic to abiotic pollination was investigated using Schiedea, a genus exhibiting a remarkable diversity of inflorescence architecture associated with pollination biology. Heritabilities and genetic correlations of inflorescence traits were estimated in gynodioecious Schiedea salicaria (Caryophyllaceae), a species that has likely undergone a recent transition to wind-pollination. Using a partial diallel crossing design, significant narrow-sense heritabilities were detected for inflorescence condensation (h2 = 0.56 to 0.68 in the two sexes) and other traits related to the extent of wind pollination in Schiedea species. Heritabilities were generally higher in hermaphrodites than in females. Strong genetic correlations may constrain the evolution of some inflorescence traits that facilitate wind pollination, such as simultaneous shortening of inflorescence length and elongation of the subtending internode. The presence of significant narrow-sense heritabilities for traits associated with wind pollination suggests, however, that selection for more effective wind pollination in the windy, pollinator-limited environments where S. salicaria grows could lead to the evolution of the highly condensed inflorescences characteristic of other wind-pollinated species of Schiedea.     

Estimation of heritability, evolvability and genetic correlations of two pollen and pistil traits involved in a sexual conflict over timing of stigma receptivity in Collinsia heterophylla (Plantaginaceae)

Background and Aims

Heritable genetic variation is crucial for selection to operate, yet there is a paucity of studies quantifying such variation in interactive male/female sexual traits, especially those of plants. Previous work on the annual plant Collinsia heterophylla, a mixed-mating species, suggests that delayed stigma receptivity is involved in a sexual conflict: pollen from certain donors fertilize ovules earlier than others at the expense of reduced maternal seed set and lower levels of pollen competition.

Methods

Parent–offspring regressions and sib analyses were performed to test for heritable genetic variation and co-variation in male and female interactive traits related to the sexual conflict.

Key Results

Some heritable variation and evolvability were found for the female trait (delayed stigma receptivity in presence of pollen), but no evidence was found for genetic variation in the male trait (ability to fertilize ovules early). The results further indicated a marginally significant correlation between a male''s ability to fertilize early and early stigma receptivity in offspring. However, despite potential indirect selection of these traits, antagonistic co-evolution may not occur given the lack of heritability of the male trait.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study of a plant or any hermaphrodite that examines patterns of genetic correlation between two interactive sexual traits, and also the first to assess heritabilities of plant traits putatively involved in a sexual conflict. It is concluded that the ability to delay fertilization in presence of pollen can respond to selection, while the pollen trait has lower evolutionary potential.     

Genetic basis of phenotypic correlations among growth traits in hybrid willow (Salix dasycladosxS. viminalis) grown under two water regimes

Phenotypic correlations and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for important growth traits and a surrogate of intrinsic water-use efficiency (leaf delta(13)C) were analysed in a willow pedigree of 92 full-sibling clones grown under two water regimes. The major objective was to examine the genetic basis of the phenotypic correlations. Cuttings of Salix were glasshouse-grown during one growing season. The relative growth rate (RGR) and underlying traits were assessed. QTL analysis was conducted based on an available linkage map for Salix. Leaf area productivity and leaf nitrogen productivity were more important in determining RGR than leaf area ratio and specific leaf area. However, phenotypic correlations among growth traits partly varied between the two environments. QTL were detected for most growth traits, among them many common QTL for different traits. The QTL pattern reflected the phenotypic correlation pattern. None of the QTL for the complex traits was consistent across the different environments. The results demonstrate a genetic basis for phenotypic correlations among growth traits in Salix, and provide evidence for the existence of 'master switches' regulating some of the traits.     

Quantitative genetics of sexually dimorphic traits and capture of genetic variance by a sexually-selected condition-dependent ornament in red junglefowl (Gallus gallus)

We studied the quantitative genetics of sexually selected traits in a captive population of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus L.) using a multi-generational 'animal model' approach. We found significant heritability of mass, tarsus length (both strongly sexually dimorphic), residual mass, and male comb (a fleshy head ornament) length. Residual mass has a genetic correlation between the sexes smaller than unity and so could show partially independent responses to selection in the two sexes. In males, tarsus length and mass were not genetically correlated, and this produced a negative genetic correlation between tarsus length and residual mass. The male red junglefowl's comb, an ornament influencing female choice, is highly condition dependent. We show that expression of this ornament is heritable, however, and shows strong genetic correlation with a condition index, residual mass. Because residual mass is partly influenced by various aspects of condition, it appears that comb size has 'captured' genetic variability in condition.     

Evolution of the polymorphism at molecular markers in QTL and non-QTL regions in selected chicken lines (Open Access publication)

We investigated the joint evolution of neutral and selected genomic regions in three chicken lines selected for immune response and in one control line. We compared the evolution of polymorphism of 21 supposedly neutral microsatellite markers versus 30 microsatellite markers located in seven quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions. Divergence of lines was observed by factor analysis. Five supposedly neutral markers and 12 markers in theQTL regions showed F_st values greater than 0.15. However, the non-significant difference (P > 0.05) between matrices of genetic distances based on genotypes at supposedly neutral markers on the one hand, and at markers in QTL regions, on the other hand, showed that none of the markers in the QTL regions were influenced by selection. A supposedly neutral marker and a marker located in the QTL region on chromosome 14 showed temporal variations in allele frequencies that could not be explained by drift only. Finally, to confirm thatmarkers located inQTL regions on chromosomes 1, 7 and 14were under the influence of selection, simulations were performed using haplotype dropping along the existing pedigree. In the zone located on chromosome 14, the simulation results confirmed that selection had an effect on the evolution of polymorphism of markers within the zone.     

Quantitative genetic and translocation experiments reveal genotype‐by‐environment effects on juvenile life‐history traits in two populations of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Understanding the genetic architecture of phenotypic plasticity is required to assess how populations might respond to heterogeneous or changing environments. Although several studies have examined population‐level patterns in environmental heterogeneity and plasticity, few studies have examined individual‐level variation in plasticity. Here, we use the North Carolina II breeding design and translocation experiments between two populations of Chinook salmon to detail the genetic architecture and plasticity of offspring survival and growth. We followed the survival of 50 800 offspring through the larval stage and used parentage analysis to examine survival and growth through freshwater rearing. In one population, we found that additive genetic, nonadditive genetic and maternal effects explained 25%, 34% and 55% of the variance in larvae survival, respectively. In the second population, these effects explained 0%, 24% and 61% of the variance in larvae survival. In contrast, fry survival was regulated primarily by additive genetic effects, which indicates a shift from maternal to genetic effects as development proceeds. Fry growth also showed strong additive genetic effects. Translocations between populations revealed that offspring survival and growth varied between environments, the degree of which differed among families. These results indicate genetic differences among individuals in their degree of plasticity and consequently their ability to respond to environmental variation.     

Analysis of genetic diversity among Chinese <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleurotus citrinopileatus</Emphasis> Singer cultivars using two molecular marker systems (ISSRs and SRAPs) and morphological traits

To evaluate the genetic diversity of Pleurotus citrinopileatus Singer cultivars in China, 20 P. citrinopileatus strains were analyzed using morphological traits, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular markers. Eleven ISSR primers amplified a total of 116 DNA fragments of which 96 (82.91%) were polymorphic, whereas 8 SRAP primer pairs amplified 69 fragments of which 65 (93.47%) were polymorphic. Phylogenetic trees constructed on the basis of ISSR, SRAP, and combined ISSR/SRAP analyses using the Unweighted Pair-group Method with Arithmetic Averages method distributed the 20 strains into three or six major groups. The grouping exhibited great similarity and was generally consistent with their morphological characters and antagonism test, which indicated a high level of genetic diversity among P. citrinopileatus Singer and relationship between each other. Based on the genetic analysis, the primary mini-core strains were constructed with progressive sampling method of the smallest genetic distance. The mini-core germplasm collection included 4 strains (strain 2, 5, 7 and 11). Our findings will provide a scientific fundament for facilitating parent selection for broadening genetic base, accelerating the genetic breeding, identification of cultivated strains and the development of bioactive products from this commercially important medicinal mushroom.     

Attack intensity by two species of territorial damselfish (Pomacentridae) as estimates of competitive overlap with two species of wrasse (Labridae)

The intensity of interspecific territorial defense should be based upon the degree of competitive overlap. We tested this relationship in two territorial Caribbean damselfish (dusky, Stegastes adustus, and longfin, S. diencaeous) with intruders being the bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifascatus) and the slippery dick wrasse (Halichoeres bivittatus). Based on food habits, the slippery dick and the bluehead wrasse should have the same degree of competitive overlap to the two damselfish species. We also predicted that the larger slippery dick wrasse intruder would receive more aggression than the smaller bluehead wrasse intruder. Neither damselfish species distinguished between the two wrasses suggesting that they were ecologically equivalent. We also tested size differences within both species of wrasse and found that size had no influence on the aggression in the dusky damselfish. The longfin also did not show a size preference for the bluehead but did prefer to attack the larger slippery dick wrasse. In spite of the similarities between the dusky and the longfin damselfish and the similar food habits of the bluehead and the slippery dick wrasse, our results suggest that using intensity of interspecific territorial defense alone may not be an adequate measure of competitive overlap.     

Extent and structure of genetic variation in two colonising Diplotaxis species (Brassicaceae) with contrasting breeding systems

Genetic variation within two closely related Diplotaxis species was studied as indicated by isozymes and RAPDs. These species differ in their mating systems, their life forms, and in their evolutionary history, but both are successful colonisers. The diploid perennial D. tenuifolia is an outbreeder, the allotetraploid annual to biennial D. muralis is predominantly selfing. D. muralis was nearly devoid of genetic variation due to a young phylogenetic age and/or population history. Estimations of genetic variation within D. tenuifolia and F-statistics indicated random mating at the species and population level and confirms obligate outbreeding. However, influence of genetic drift relative to gene flow was high and mirrors colonisation processes as indicated by considerable heterogeneity across populations and the lack of correlation between population divergence and geographic distance.     

The role of waterholes as 'refugia' in sustaining genetic diversity and variation of two freshwater species in dryland river systems (Western Queensland, Australia)

1. Episodic floods and extended low or no flow periods characterise dryland river systems in Western Queensland, Australia. During protracted intervals between floods, rivers consist of a series of isolated waterholes, which serve as ‘refugia’ for aquatic species and much of the channel is dry. We categorised these waterholes into ‘main waterholes’, which are located in the main part of the river channel and ‘satellite waterholes’, which are located in distributary river channels. 2. We used mitochondrial sequences and allozymes to investigate levels of genetic diversity and patterns of connectivity among waterholes for two obligate freshwater species: Macrobrachium australiense (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) and Notopala sublineata (Gastropoda: Viviparidae). 3. We sampled 31 waterholes for M. australiense and 12 for N. sublineata. Based on a 505‐bp fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I, we identified 54 haplotypes in a sample of 232 individuals for M. australiense and based on a 457‐bp fragment of the same gene, 36 haplotypes in a sample of 145 individuals for N. sublineata. 4. Both nuclear and mitochondrial genetic data sets indicated that estimates of genetic diversity were not different in populations inhabiting main and satellite waterholes for either species. Also, there was generally very limited genetic differentiation among populations at any site. 5. We suggest that levels of connectivity among populations inhabiting waterholes at most sites are higher than expected. High levels of connectivity may help to maintain overall high levels of genetic diversity as well as low levels of genetic differentiation among waterholes within sites.     

Analysis of the genetic diversity and relationships among and within species of Hippophae (Elaeagnaceae) based on RAPD markers

RAPD markers were used to assess the genetic diversity and inter- and intra-specific relationships of the genus Hippophae L. and to study the correlation between genetic distances and geographic distances among populations of H. rhamnoides ssp. sinensis. The results analyzed by the percentage of polymorphic loci and Shannon information index indicated that a high level of genetic diversity existed both among and within species of the genus Hippophae. In the UPGMA dendrogram, the species or subspecies were clustered into two main groups but not strictly grouped according to sect. Hippophae and sect. Gyantsensis Lian. The multiple regression analysis and Mantel test both indicated a significant correlation between genetic distance and altitude distance among populations of H. rhamnoides ssp. sinensis, and the cluster analysis suggested that the genetic variation among populations of H. rhamnoides ssp. sinensis was linked to their monophyletic origin. Moreover, some degree of genetic differentiation was found among samples collected at different times.     

Separation of two species standing as Alopecosa aculeata (Clerck) by morphological, behavioural and ecological characters, with remarks on related species in the pulverulenta group (Araneae, Lycosidae)

Study of numerous specimens identified as Alopecosa aculeata (Clerck), according to the prevailing concept, revealed two morphologically distinct forms concluded to represent distinct species. In Sweden, the two species are sympatric. One is identified as A. taeniata (C. L. Koch) [earlier regarded as conspccific with either A. aculeata or A. pulverulenta (Clerck)], here found to be widely distributed (outside Sweden material examined from Norway, Finland, the U.S.S.R., the F.R.G., Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy). Alopecosa aculeata and A. taeniata (both with neotypes designated) are rcdescribed and illustrated. Their courtship behaviour is distinctly different and their habitat preference differs in part. Information on morphology, courtship behaviour, habitat, and phenology in the allied A. cuneata (Clerck) and A. pulverulenta is given. Connections between certain morphological characters and behavioural traits are discussed. A few cases of parasitism by insects (Acroceridac: Ogcodes and Ichncumonidac: Gelis) in A. aculeata are reported.     

Relevant genetic differentiation among Brazilian populations of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera,Tephritidae)

We used a population genetic approach to detect the presence of genetic diversity among six populations of Anastrepha fraterculus across Brazil. To this aim, we used Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, which may capture the presence of differentiative processes across the genome in distinct populations. Spatial analyses of molecular variance were used to identify groups of populations that are both genetically and geographically homogeneous while also being maximally differentiated from each other. The spatial analysis of genetic diversity indicates that the levels of diversity among the six populations vary significantly on an eco-geographical basis. Particularly, altitude seems to represent a differentiating adaptation, as the main genetic differentiation is detected between the two populations present at higher altitudes and the other four populations at sea level. The data, together with the outcomes from different cluster analyses, identify a genetic diversity pattern that overlaps with the distribution of the known morphotypes in the Brazilian area.     

Demographic differences between two sympatric lilies (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Calochortus</Emphasis>) with contrasting distributions,as revealed by matrix analysis

Related species of similar morphology can differ greatly in distribution and abundance. Elucidating reasons for such differences can contribute to an understanding of intrinsic limiting factors and the causes of rarity. We studied sympatric populations of two terrestrial lilies with contrasting distributions: Calochortus lyallii, which is geographically restricted but locally abundant, and C. macrocarpus, which is widespread but locally sparse. Marked plants of each species were monitored for 5 years in British Columbia, Canada. Matrix projection models were used to estimate annual and stochastic population growth rates (λ and λ_s) and to compare demographic traits. Annual λ-values ranged from 0.89 to 1.04 in C. lyallii and from 0.89 to 1.01 in C. macrocarpus. Stochastic projections yielded a long-term growth rate near 1 for C. lyallii, but indicated a decline for C. macrocarpus. Elasticity analysis indicated that over the 5-year period of the study, survival of flowering plants made a larger proportional contribution to λ in C. lyallii than in C. macrocarpus. LTRE analysis showed that temporal variation in λ was driven primarily by the dynamics of flowering individuals in C. lyallii, and by the dynamics of vegetative individuals in C. macrocarpus. Similarly, higher flowering rates in C. lyallii and greater vegetative stasis in C. macrocarpus made the largest contribution to the difference in λ between species. Thus, local persistence in these two morphologically similar species appears to be achieved via different demographic pathways. Our analyses show that extrapolations about demographic processes and population dynamics based on taxonomic relatedness, morphological similarity or habitat overlap may often not be justified. Electronic Supplementary Material The online version of this article contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users.     

Geographic variation in seed traits within and among forty‐two species of Rhododendron (Ericaceae) on the Tibetan plateau: relationships with altitude,habitat, plant height,and phylogeny

Seed mass and morphology are plant life history traits that influence seed dispersal ability, seeding establishment success, and population distribution pattern. Southeastern Tibet is a diversity center for Rhododendron species, which are distributed from a few hundred meters to 5500 m above sea level. We examined intra‐ and interspecific variation in seed mass and morphology in relation to altitude, habitat, plant height, and phylogeny. Seed mass decreased significantly with the increasing altitude and increased significantly with increasing plant height among populations of the same species. Seed mass differed significantly among species and subsections, but not among sections and subgenera. Seed length, width, surface area, and wing length were significantly negative correlated with altitude and significantly positive correlated with plant height. Further, these traits differed significantly among habitats and varied among species and subsection, but not among sections and subgenera. Species at low elevation had larger seeds with larger wings, and seeds became smaller and the wings of seeds tended to be smaller with the increasing altitude. Morphology of the seed varied from flat round to long cylindrical with increasing altitude. We suggest that seed mass and morphology have evolved as a result of both long‐term adaptation and constraints of the taxonomic group over their long evolutionary history.     

Gene flow and genetic structure of Bactrocera carambolae (Diptera,Tephritidae) among geographical differences and sister species,B. dorsalis,inferred from microsatellite DNA data

The Carambola fruit fly, Bactroceracarambolae, is an invasive pest in Southeast Asia. It has been introduced into areas in South America such as Suriname and Brazil. Bactroceracarambolae belongs to the Bactroceradorsalis species complex, and seems to be separated from Bactroceradorsalis based on morphological and multilocus phylogenetic studies. Even though the Carambola fruit fly is an important quarantine species and has an impact on international trade, knowledge of the molecular ecology of Bactroceracarambolae, concerning species status and pest management aspects, is lacking. Seven populations sampled from the known geographical areas of Bactroceracarambolae including Southeast Asia (i.e., Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand) and South America (i.e., Suriname), were genotyped using eight microsatellite DNA markers. Genetic variation, genetic structure, and genetic network among populations illustrated that the Suriname samples were genetically differentiated from Southeast Asian populations. The genetic network revealed that samples from West Sumatra (Pekanbaru, PK) and Java (Jakarta, JK) were presumably the source populations of Bactroceracarambolae in Suriname, which was congruent with human migration records between the two continents. Additionally, three populations of Bactroceradorsalis were included to better understand the species boundary. The genetic structure between the two species was significantly separated and approximately 11% of total individuals were detected as admixed (0.100 ≤ Q ≤ 0.900). The genetic network showed connections between Bactroceracarambolae and Bactroceradorsalis groups throughout Depok (DP), JK, and Nakhon Sri Thammarat (NT) populations. These data supported the hypothesis that the reproductive isolation between the two species may be leaky. Although the morphology and monophyly of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences in previous studies showed discrete entities, the hypothesis of semipermeable boundaries may not be rejected. Alleles at microsatellite loci could be introgressed rather than other nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Bactroceracarambolae may be an incipient rather than a distinct species of Bactroceradorsalis. Regarding the pest management aspect, the genetic sexing Salaya5 strain (SY5) was included for comparison with wild populations. The SY5 strain was genetically assigned to the Bactroceracarambolae cluster. Likewise, the genetic network showed that the strain shared greatest genetic similarity to JK, suggesting that SY5 did not divert away from its original genetic makeup. Under laboratory conditions, at least 12 generations apart, selection did not strongly affect genetic compatibility between the strain and wild populations. This knowledge further confirms the potential utilization of the Salaya5 strain in regional programs of area-wide integrated pest management using SIT.     

Molecular genetic diversity of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) as revealed by microsatellite DNA markers (SSR)

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the oldest known edible fruits and more and more it arouse interest of scientific community given its numerous biological activities. However, information about its genetic resources and characterization using reliable molecular markers are still scarce. In the present study, we report the development of 4 new polymorphic SSR markers. They have been used in addition to 11 SSRs previously published to investigate molecular diversity of 33 P. granatum ecotypes. Based on the multi-locus profiles, twenty-two distinctive genotypes were identified. Globally, quite low genetic diversity has been revealed, as measured by allele richness (2.83 per locus) and heterozygosity (He = 0.245; Ho = 0.243), reflecting the narrow genetic background of the plant material. Four synonymous groups could be detected involving 15 accessions. Results of ordination and cluster analysis suggested that almost all the Tunisian cultivars share similar genetic background, and are likely derived from a small number of introductions in ancient times. Results issued from this study provide essential information to project a pomegranate core-collection without plant material duplication and for sustainable management of pomegranate landraces at national and international level. Furthermore, these SSR markers are powerful tool for marker assisted selection (MAS) program and for QTL studies.     

Low genetic diversity and local adaptive divergence of Dracaena cambodiana (Liliaceae) populations associated with historical population bottlenecks and natural selection: an endangered long‐lived tree endemic to Hainan Island,China

Historical population bottlenecks and natural selection have important effects on the current genetic diversity and structure of long‐lived trees. Dracaena cambodiana is an endangered, long‐lived tree endemic to Hainan Island, China. Our field investigations showed that only 10 populations remain on Hainan Island and that almost all have been seriously isolated and grow in distinct habitats. A considerable amount of genetic variation at the species level, but little variation at the population level, and a high level of genetic differentiation among the populations with limited gene flow in D. cambodiana were detected using inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses. No significant correlation was found between genetic diversity and actual population size, as the genetic diversities were similar regardless of population size. The Mantel test revealed that there was no correlation between genetic and geographic distances among the 10 populations. The UPGMA, PCoA and Bayesian analyses showed that local adaptive divergence has occurred among the D. cambodiana populations, which was further supported by habitat‐private fragments. We suggest that the current genetic diversity and population differentiation of D. cambodiana resulted from historical population bottlenecks and natural selection followed by historical isolation. However, the lack of natural regeneration of D. cambodiana indicates that former local adaptations with low genetic diversity may have been genetically weak and are unable to adapt to the current ecological environments.     

Cyphoderus (Cyphoderidae) as a major component of collembolan cave fauna in Thailand,with description of two new species

Distinguishing features of Cyphoderus Collembola of the bidenticulati group are described. Taxonomic problems in the bidenticulati group of Cyphoderus are emphasized, and new characters of taxonomic value are introduced and discussed. Two new species are described from caves of Thailand, differing mainly in claw morphology.