Evidence of sexuality in European Rubus (Rosaceae) species based on AFLP and allozyme analysis

Reproduction of polyploid Rubus species is described as facultatively apomictic. Pollination is needed for seed set, but most seedlings are produced asexually by pseudogamy. Although sexual processes may occur, clonal diversity can be extremely low. We performed a pollination experiment to investigate the breeding system and used allozyme and AFLP markers to analyze genetic variation among and within seed families in R. armeniacus and R. bifrons. Pollination either with self or outcross pollen was necessary to trigger seed set. Outbreeding marginally increased the number and quality of seeds compared with selfing. The enzyme PGI revealed some genetic variation within seed families. Seven other enzyme systems were monomorphic. The more detailed AFLP analyses with five primer pairs detected the same rate of genetic variation (14-17% of seedlings were genetically distinct) and confirmed the allozyme results for the same individuals. No genetic variation was found between the seed families from within a species collected in widely separated populations, but clear species-specific differences were observed. The results support the view that polyploid Rubus species are pseudogamous apomicts with low genetic diversity among and within seed families. However, sexual reproduction occasionally occurs and contributes to the maintenance of genetic variation within natural populations.