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IntroductionNoug (Guizotia abyssinica) is an economically important edible oilseed crop in Ethiopia with a large variation in seed set, seed oil content, and fatty acid composition among populations. Although noug is generally strictly self-incompatible (SI), self-compatible (SC) lines were recently developed. This study was conducted to investigate the levels of variation in seed setting and oleic acid content among the self-compatible lines.MethodsThe starting materials for the seed setting study were 200 genotypes selected from 100 inbred lines and having, on average, 57 seeds per capitulum, which is higher than that of the SI populations. The SC genotypes were analyzed for their oleic acid content using the half-seed technique.ResultsThe analysis of 20 SC lines revealed a high variation in oleic acid content with 70% of the SC lines having 20% or more oleic acid after they were grown under 25°C/21°C day/night temperatures (high-temperature treatment). The oleic acid content increased from 8.2% before to 22.5%, on average, after the high-temperature experiment in the greenhouse. In contrast, the percentage of oleic acid in these lines grown at 21°C/18°C day/night temperatures decreased from 8.2% to 4.4% on average. There was a highly significant positive correlation between oleic acid content and temperature in SC lines.ConclusionThe study suggests a significant contribution of genotype to the variation in seed setting and environmental factors (mostly temperature) to the oleic acid content. The noug SC-lines showed highly significant variation in seed setting and oleic acid content, which could be used for improving the crop’s seed yield and oil quality.

Abstract: Letícia AF is a mutation of the plum cultivar Laetitia that confers self-compatibility. This work compared the Letícia AF mutant cultivar with the standard Laetitia regarding fruit set, self-compatibility, yield, and fruit quality traits during four growing seasons. The study was carried out in two plum orchards with the cultivar Letícia AF (orchard 1) and Laetitia plus pollinizers trees (orchard 2) and in an experimental unit with Letícia AF and Laetitia planted side by side. A self-compatibility test was performed on covered branches to prevent pollinating insects from reaching the flowers. Fruit set occurs in covered branches of Letícia AF, whereas it was rare in Laetitia. In commercial orchards, Leticia AF plums yield was higher than that of Laetitia over the years. The results suggest that the oscillation in productivity across the years, mainly due to unfavorable conditions for insect pollination, may be lower in the plum Leticia AF orchard. On the other hand, the requirement for fruit thinning may be greater in Leticia AF. No significant differences were found between the mutant and the standard cultivar regarding fruit quality at harvest and after 30 days of cold storage, indicating the mutation did not alter the fruit characteristics.

Diploid inbred-based F1 hybrid True Potato Seed (DHTPS) breeding is a novel technique to transform potato breeding and cultivation across the globe. Significant efforts are being made to identify elite diploids, dihaploids and develop diploid inbred lines for heterosis exploitation in potatoes. Self-incompatibility is the first obstacle for developing inbred lines in diploid potatoes, which necessitates the introgression of a dominant S locus inhibitor gene (Sli) for switching self-incompatibility to self-compatibility. We evaluated a set of 357 diploid clones in different selfing generations for self-compatibility and degree of homozygosity using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers. A subset of 10 KASP markers of the Sli candidate region on chromosome 12 showed an association with the phenotype for self-compatibility. The results revealed that the selected 10 KASP markers for the Sli gene genotype could be deployed for high throughput rapid screening of self-compatibility in diploid populations and to identify new sources of self-compatibility. The homozygosity assessed through 99 KASP markers distributed across all the chromosomes of the potato genome was 20–78 % in founder diploid clones, while different selfing generations, i.e., S0, S1, S2 and S3 observed 36.1–80.4, 56.9–82.8, 59.5–85.4 and 73.7–87.8 % average homozygosity, respectively. The diploid plants with ∼80 % homozygosity were also observed in the first selfing generation, which inferred that homozygosity assessment in the early generations itself could identify the best plants with high homozygosity to speed up the generation of diploid inbred lines.

ABSTRACTStrawberry flowers are hermaphroditic and most cultivars are self-compatible, but strawberry plants can produce a mixture of fruit that have arisen from self-pollination and cross-pollination. We aimed to determine whether size, shape, color, taste attributes and shelf life differ between self-pollinated and cross-pollinated fruit competing on the same Redlands Joy strawberry plant. Experiments were repeated at three fertilizer levels to determine the consistency of responses across different levels of crop nutrition. Cross-pollinated fruits were 4.2%–7.5% heavier and 2.7%–5.0% longer than self-pollinated fruits, with the differences being greater at lower levels of nutrient supply. They were also darker or redder than self-pollinated fruits. Cross-pollinated fruits sometimes had lower °Brix (sugar) or lower acidity than self-pollinated fruits, with the effect on sugar:acid ratio depending on the nutrient level. The shelf life of cross-pollinated fruits was approximately 4 days longer than self-pollinated fruits on plants that received medium or high levels of fertilizer. The results suggest that pollen-parent effects on fruit size become evident when self- and cross-pollinated strawberry fruits compete for resources on the same plant, and that the expression of pollen-parent effects can be affected by the level of crop nutrition.

Abstract Background The Convolvulaceae is a large family containing species exhibiting a range of breeding systems and pollinated by diverse animal taxa. We studied the pollination ecology of 15 Convolvulaceae species, representing seven genera (Argyreia Lour., Camonea Raf., Evolvulus L., Hewittia Wight & Arn., Ipomoea L., Merremia Dennst. ex Endl., and Operculina Silva Manso), in northeastern Thailand, a family that is highly diverse yet understudied in the paleotropics. Specifically, we studied their compatibility systems and degrees of pollinator dependency using pollination experiments, examined pollinator composition and visitation rates using video observation, and determined if there is an association between pollinator visitation rates and degree of pollinator dependence. Results Our results showed that most species are self-compatible, but the degree of pollinator dependence varies. Six species were found to be highly dependent on pollinators, as two are self-incompatible and four are self-compatible but had reduced seed set when pollinators were excluded, possibly due to herkogamy. Seven species showed low dependence on pollinators and seed set remained high when pollinators were excluded. Pollinator dependence was inconclusive for two species as seed set was low in all pollination treatments. We also found an association between pollinator visitation rates and degree of pollinator dependence. Specifically, species exhibiting high pollinator dependence received frequent visits from pollinators, while species exhibiting low pollinator dependence either received frequent visits from pollinators (and received high amounts of xenogamous pollen) or infrequent visits from pollinators (and received significantly lower amounts of xenogamous pollen). Most of our study species were primarily visited by bees (e.g., Lasioglossum, Amegilla, Apis, and meliponines), with the exception of one night-blooming species that was visited primarily by crepuscular butterflies and hawkmoths. Conclusions The cumulative findings of this study demonstrate how pollinator dependence is influenced by breeding system, and suggest that pollinator visitation is consistently high for species exhibiting high pollinator dependence but varies across species exhibiting low pollinator dependence. Our findings are also important for assessing the conservation risks of paleotropical Convolvulaceae.

Abstract When reproductive success is determined by the relative availabilities of a series of essential, non‐substitutable resources, the theory of balanced fitness limitations predicts that the cost of harvesting a particular resource shapes the likelihood that a shortfall of that resource will constrain realized fitness. Plant reproduction through female function offers a special opportunity to test this theory; essential resources in this context include, first, the pollen received from pollinators or abiotic vectors that is used to fertilize ovules, and, second, the resources needed to provision the developing seeds and fruit. For many plants realized reproductive success through female function can be readily quantified in the field, and one key potential constraint on fitness, pollen limitation, can be assessed experimentally by manually supplementing pollen receipt. We assembled a comparative dataset of pollen limitation using only studies that supplement pollen to all flowers produced over the plant's reproductive lifespan. Pre‐ and post‐pollination costs were estimated using the weight of flowers and fruits and estimates of fruit set. Consistent with expectations, we find self‐incompatible plants make greater pre‐pollination investments and experience greater pollen limitation. However, contrary to theoretical expectations, when variation due to self‐compatibility is accounted for by including self‐compatibility in the statistical model as a covariate, we find no support for the prediction that plants that invest more heavily in pre‐pollination costs are subject to greater pollen limitation. Strong within‐species, between‐population variation in the expression of pollen limitation makes the quantification of mean pollen limitation difficult. We urge plant ecologists to conduct more studies of pollen limitation using whole‐plant pollen supplementation to produce a richer comparative dataset that would support a more robust test of the balanced limitations hypothesis.

IntroductionMonoecy is usually interpreted as an important evolutionary route of the plant sexual system from hermaphroditism to dioecy. This floral mechanism can effectively reduce self-interference during the reproductive process, and the services provided by pollinators may play an essential role in monoecious species; however, relevant research is still lacking. Thus, we aimed to determine whether monoecious plants could effectively avoid self-interference and promote the evolution of monoecy under the service of pollinators.MethodsHere, we successfully performed manipulation experiments to test self-compatibility, pollinator behavior, and self-interference between male and female functions in Akebia trifoliata, a typical monoecious species.ResultsWe demonstrated that experimental self-pollination did not yield any fruit, and supplemental pollination significantly increased fruit set and fruit weight compared to natural pollination, suggesting that this species is completely self-incompatible and experiences strong pollen limitation. Simultaneous self- and cross-pollination and self-pollination prior to cross-pollination significantly reduced reproductive fitness, but self-pollination after cross-pollination did not, indicating self-interference in this plant. Moreover, both male flower probing preference and switching modes within inflorescences by pollinators successfully reinforced self-interference and were also responsible for decreasing reproductive fitness in A. trifoliata.DiscussionIn summary, pollinator-mediated self-interference significantly reduced selfing, providing potential dynamics for the maintenance and evolution of monoecy.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a monoecious species and although it exhibits self-compatibility, it presents incomplete overlap of pollen shed and female receptivity. Thus, cross-pollination is prerequisite for optimal fruit production. Cross-pollination can occur naturally by wind, insects, artificially, or by hand. Pollen has been recognized as one possible pathway for Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis infection, a pathogenic bacterium responsible for walnut blight disease. Other than the well-known cultural and chemical control practices, artificial pollination technologies with the use of drones could be a successful tool for walnut blight disease management in orchards. Drones may carry pollen and release it over crops or mimic the actions of bees and other pollinators. Although this new pollination technology could be regarded as a promising tool, pollen germination and knowledge of pollen as a potential pathway for the dissemination of bacterial diseases remain crucial information for the development and production of aerial pollinator robots for walnut trees. Thus, our purpose was to describe a pollination model with fundamental components, including the identification of the “core” pollen microbiota, the use of drones for artificial pollination as a successful tool for managing walnut blight disease, specifying an appropriate flower pollination algorithm, design of an autonomous precision pollination robot, and minimizing the average errors of flower pollination algorithm parameters through machine learning and meta-heuristic algorithms.

Optimal fruit production from many tree crops relies on the transfer of cross-pollen between trees of different cultivars rather than the transfer of self-pollen between trees of the same cultivar. However, many orchards are established with wide blocks of single cultivars, which can result in high percentages of self-fertilised fruit and sub-optimal yield and quality. We aimed to determine whether outcrossing rates and yield of Hass avocado fruit decline with increasing distance from polliniser trees of cultivar Shepard and whether selfed fruit are smaller than outcrossed fruit. Outcrossing rates declined from 49% at six trees (40 m) from a block of Shepard trees to 30% at thirty trees (160 m) from a block of Shepard trees. Tree yield across this distance declined by 44% as a result of a 69% decline in the number of outcrossed fruit per tree, without a significant decline in the number of selfed fruit per tree. Outcrossed Hass fruit were 12% heavier than selfed Hass fruit, with 3% greater diameter and 5% greater length. The study results demonstrate the importance of interplanting Type B avocado pollinisers closely with Type A Hass trees to increase fruit yield and size.

ABSTRACT The dependence of commercial crops on pollinators is closely related to their reproductive strategies and has direct impacts on production yields. Fruit production of Averrhoa carambola, the star fruit, is highly dependent on bee pollination. This distylous species may exhibit monomorphism associated with self-compatibility, a condition that may influence its degree of dependence on pollinators for fruit set. We evaluated the floral morphology and mating system of A. carambola and their relationships with pollinator dependence in an apparently pin-monomorphic orchard to address the following questions: Is the orchard indeed pin-monomorphic? Is the orchard self-compatible? Are pollination services sufficient to reach maximum productivity? Is fruit set related to the number of visits? We investigated floral morphometrics, mating system, and pollination following standard methods of plant reproduction research. The orchard exhibited pin-monomorphism and self-compatibility. Herkogamy strongly impaired spontaneous self-pollination, emphasizing the relevance of pollinators to crop yield. Considering that Apis mellifera was the only pollinator observed, and that the orchard showed pollen limitation, we recommend the implementation of pollinator management strategies. Additional studies will be needed to assess if the atypical distyly observed here occurs in other situations.

In RBIP Holovousy originated new apricot cultivars ‘Telma’ and ‘Odeta’ during breeding program, both are registered for growing in the Czech Republic since 2021. Trees of both cultivars have spreading habitus and grow vigorously. Flowering time of ‘Telma’ cultivar is rather early in second week of April, fruit ripening time is medium late in third week of July and cultivar is typical with its high fruit set. Fruits have big size with average fruit length around 44 mm, fruit width 41 mm and fruit thickness 40 mm, Fruit weight is around 42 g. Fruits have high inner quality, and very good teste. Fruits of this cultivar are of higher tolerance to apricot scab (Stigmina carpophila). Cultivar ‘Odeta’ has medium late flowering time in second week of April and late ripening time in last week of July. Trees has medium fruit set volume. Fruits are of medium size with average fruit length around 43 mm, fruit width 39 mm and fruit thickness 36 mm. Fruit weight is around 37 g. Fruits have high inner quality and very good taste. Both cultivars are self-compatible and have low Monilia laxa susceptibility, low susceptibility for fruit cracking and skin burn. Both cultivars have good storability in cold storage. The origin of both cultivars was verified using a genotyping set of 19 SSR markers.

Pollination is essential for the reproductive output of crops. Anthropogenic disturbance and global pollinator decline limit pollination success, reducing the quantity or quality of pollen. Relationships between the abundance of flower visitors and fruit production are often poorly understood. We aimed to (1) identify and quantify flower visitors in a mango orchard; (2) assess how much of the crop resulted from self- versus cross-pollination at increasing distances from a cross-pollen source in large, single-cultivar blocks of the cultivar Kensington Pride or the cultivar Calypso; and (3) determine how pollen parentage affected the size, colour, flavour attributes, and nutritional quality of fruit. Mango flowers were mostly visited by rhiniid flies and coccinellid beetles. Approximately 30% of the fruit were the result of cross-pollination, with the percentage significantly decreasing with an increasing distance from a cross-pollen source in the cultivar Calypso. Self-pollinated Calypso fruit were slightly larger and heavier, with higher acid and total polyphenol concentrations than cross-pollinated fruit. Our results showed higher-than-expected levels of cross-fertilisation among fruit, although self-pollen was likely more abundant than cross-pollen in the large orchard blocks. Our results suggest the preferential cross-fertilisation of flowers or the preferential retention of cross-fertilised fruitlets, both representing strategies for circumventing inbreeding depression. Growers should establish vegetated habitats to support pollinator populations and interplant cultivars more closely to maximise cross-pollen transfer.

New apricot cultivar ´Etela´ originated from self-pollination of cultivar ´Harogem´ that has been realized RBIP Holovousy in 1996. This cultivar is registered for growing in the Czech Republic since 2021. It is self-compatible and precocious cultivar. Trees grow rather vigorously, has upright to spreading habitus and medium bearing. Fruits are attractive, medium size with smooth surface, of high quality and very good taste. The cultivar has generally good health condition, it is only slightly sensitive to apricot scab. This cultivar is recommended for the use in marginal regions of apricot growing.

Background: Argemone ochroleuca is a worldwide invasive weed but is also highly valuable for their chemical compounds. Knowledge about its reproduction will help create plans for its control or its propagation. Questions: Does A. ochroleuca has an incompatibility system like other Papaveraceae species? Which are the reproductive strategies that favor the seed formation in A. ochroleuca? Studied species: A. ochroleuca is an annual species with bisexual flowers. Study site and dates: Mexico City, Mexico. The fieldwork was performed from February to May in 2013, 2014, and 2017. Methods: Direct observations were made to describe the flower cycle of A. ochroleuca. We used self-pollinated flowers to analyze if this species is self-incompatible by following the pollen tube growth through gynoecium. Controlled pollinations were made to quantify and compare the number of seeds produced per treatment to know the mating system and explore if the species presents a mechanism of reproductive assurance through autogamy, or exhibits inbreeding depression. Results: A. ochroleuca is self-compatible and exhibits a mixed mating system. Although outcrossing is how more seeds are produced, both autogamy and pseudocleistogamy are present as reproductive assurance mechanisms. Naturally pollinated flowers produce the maximum number of seeds, but inbreeding depression is present in the population. Thus, the number of seeds will be affected by continuous selfing. Conclusions: This study highlights the mixed mating system and reproductive assurance mechanisms as successful strategies for A. ochroleuca, a common pattern in invasive weeds.

The modularity and sequential flower production in hermaphroditic plants enable them to modify sex allocation in response to biotic or abiotic environmental variation. To test three predictions derived from the relationship between sexual specialization and compatibility levels, we analyzed the breeding system (self-incompatibility) of Polygonatum verticillatum and the variation in sexual investment to stamens, ovules, pollen grains and P:O ratio among flowers at different positions of the inflorescence. Our results show that in self-compatible P. verticillatum sexual investment varies throughout the inflorescence with an increase in the number of pollen grains but does not show male specialization in top flowers, unlike other self-incompatible species of the genus previously studied. Comparative studies of the variation in floral sex allocation between taxonomically close species should contribute to a better interpretation of the relationships between sexual investment and the breeding system.

Genomic resources and tools are essential for improving crops and conserving their genetic resources. Guizotia abyssinica (noug), an outcrossing edible oilseed crop, has highly limited genomic resources. Hence, RNA-Seq based transcriptome sequencing of 30 noug genotypes was performed to generate novel genomic resources and assess their usefulness. The genotypes include self-compatible and self-incompatible types, which differ in maturity time, photoperiod sensitivity, or oil content and quality. RNA-Seq was performed on Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform, and the transcript was reconstructed de novo, resulting in 409,309 unigenes. The unigenes were characterized for simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and served as a reference for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling. In total, 40,776 SSRs were identified in 35,639 of the 409,309 unigenes. Of these, mono, di, tri, tetra, penta and hexanucleotide repeats accounted for 55.4, 20.8, 21.1, 2.3, 0.2, and 0.2%, respectively. The average G+C content of the unigenes and their SSRs were 40 and 22.1%, respectively. The vast majority of mononucleotide repeat SSRs (97%) were of the A/T type. AG/CT and CCA/TGG were the most frequent di and trinucleotide repeat SSRs. A different number of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci were discovered in each genotype, of which 1,687 were common to all 30 genotypes and 5,531 to 28 of them. The mean observed heterozygosity of the 5,531 SNPs was 0.22; 19.4% of them had polymorphism information content above 0.30 while 17.2% deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). In both cluster and principal coordinate analyses, the genotypes were grouped into four major clusters. In terms of population structure, the genotypes are best represented by three genetic populations, with significant admixture within each. Genetic similarity between self-compatible genotypes was higher, due to the narrow genetic basis, than that between self-incompatible genotypes. The genotypes that shared desirable characteristics, such as early maturity, and high oil content were found to be genetically diverse, and hence superior cultivars with multiple desirable traits can be developed through crossbreeding. The genomic resources developed in this study are vital for advancing research in noug, such as genetic linkage mapping and genome-wide association studies, which could lead to genomic-led breeding.

The relationships of interspecific compatibility and incompatibility in Solanum section Petota are complex. Inquiry into these relationships in tomato and its wild relatives has elucidated the pleiotropic and redundant function of S-RNase and HT which tandemly and independently mediate both interspecific and intraspecific pollen rejection. Our findings presented here are consistent with previous work conducted in Solanum section Lycopersicon showing that S-RNase plays a central role in interspecific pollen rejection. Statistical analyses also demonstrated that HT-B alone is not a significant factor in these pollinations; demonstrating the overlap in gene function between HT-A and HT-B, as HT-A, was present and functional in all genotypes used. We were not able to replicate the general absence of prezygotic stylar barriers observable in S. verrucosum, which has been attributed to the lack of S-RNase, indicating that other non-S-RNase factors play a significant role. We also demonstrated that Sli played no significant role in these interspecific pollinations, directly conflicting with previous research. It is possible that S. chacoense as a pollen donor is better able to bypass stylar barriers in 1EBN species such as S. pinnatisectum. Consequently, S. chacoense may be a valuable resource in accessing these 1EBN species regardless of Sli status.

The almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] is normally self-sterile, requiring orchard placement of pollinizer cultivars and insect pollinators. Honeybees are the primary insect pollinators utilized, but climate change and the higher frequency of extreme weather events have reduced their availability to levels insufficient to meet the demands of current and anticipated almond acreage. The incorporation of self-fruitfulness may eliminate the need for both pollinizers and pollinators and allow the planting of single cultivar orchards that facilitate orchard management and reduce agrochemical inputs. Self-fruitfulness requires self-compatibility of self-pollen tube growth to fertilization, as well as a high level of consistent self-pollination or autogamy over the range of anticipated bloom environments. The Italian cultivar Tuono has been the sole source of self-compatibility for breeding programs world-wide, leading to high levels of inbreeding in current almond improvement programs. Both self-compatibility and autogamy have been successfully transferred to commercial almonds from cultivated peaches (Prunus persica L.), as well as wild peach and almond species. Self-compatibility was inherited as a novel major gene, but was also influenced by modifiers. Molecular markers developed for one species source often failed to function for other species’ sources. Autogamy was inherited as a quantitative trait. Breeding barriers were more severe in the early stages of trait introgression, but rapidly diminished by the second to third backcross. Increasing kernel size, which was similarly inherited as a quantitative trait, was a major regulator of the introgression rate. Self-fruitfulness, along with good commercial performance of tree and nut traits, was recovered from different species sources, including Prunus mira, Prunus webbii, P. persica, and the P. webbii-derived Italian cultivar Tuono. Differences in expression of self-fruitfulness were observed, particularly during field selection at the early growth stages. Introgression of self-fruitfulness from these diverse sources also enriched overall breeding germplasm, allowing the introduction of useful traits that are not accessible within traditional germplasm.

Background: Self-compatibility is common on endemic plant species, but pollen limitation and self-pollination could be risk factors. Study species: The endemic Cienfuegosia yucatanensis (Malvaceae), whose distribution is mainly restricted to the north coast of the peninsula of Yucatán, México. Questions: a) Are flowers of C. yucatanensis autonomous for pollination? b) Are C. yucatanensis fruit or seed-set limited by pollen deposition? and, c) Is there evidence of early inbreeding depression in C. yucatanensis? Study sites and dates: Two sites in the north of the peninsula of Yucatán in a seasonally dry scrubland, in the rainy season of 2013 and 2014. Methods: Number of flowers and fruits were weekly recorded. Flowers were collected to count the number of conspecific pollen load and the number of pollen tubes. Autonomous pollination and pollen limitation were evaluated with a hand-pollination experiment. Inbreeding depression on fruit and seed production, and seed weight was evaluated. Results: Flower and fruit production occur simultaneously and last from August to October. Conspecific pollen deposition on stigmas occurred through the whole flowering season and a maximum of pollen tubes was observed in August. Autonomous pollination treatment lead to similar fruit and seed production than cross-pollination, but open pollination produced significantly more seeds. No significant differences among self- and cross-pollination treatments on fruit and seed production or seed weight, were found. Conclusions: Our results suggest that self-compatibility combined with a relatively efficient autonomous pollination, are suitable mechanisms for the reproductive assurance in C. yucatanensis, with no apparent effects of early inbreeding depression.

Self-compatibility in Arabidopsis thaliana represents the relatively recent disruption of ancestral obligate cross pollination, recognized as one of the prevalent evolutionary pathways in flowering plants, as noted by Darwin. Our previous study found that inversion of the male specificity gene (SP11/SCR) disrupted self-incompatibility, which was restored by overexpressing the SCR with the reversed inversion. However, SCR in A. thaliana has other mutations aside from the pivotal inversion, in both promoter and coding regions, with probable effects on transcriptional regulation. To examine the functional consequences of these mutations, we conducted reciprocal introductions of native promoters and downstream sequences from orthologous loci of self-compatible A. thaliana and self-incompatible A. halleri. Use of this inter-species pair enabled us to expand the scope of the analysis to transcriptional regulation and deletion in the intron, in addition to inversion in the native genomic background. Initial analysis revealed that A. thaliana has a significantly lower basal expression level of SCR transcripts in the critical reproductive stage compared to that of A. halleri, suggesting that the promoter was attenuated in inducing transcription in A. thaliana. However, in reciprocal transgenic experiments, this A. thaliana promoter was able to restore partial function if coupled with the functional A. halleri coding sequence, despite extensive alterations due to the self-compatible mode of reproduction in A. thaliana. This represents a synergistic effect of the promoter and the inversion resulting in fixation of self-compatibility, primarily enforced by disruption of SCR. Our findings elucidate the functional and evolutionary context of the historical transition in A. thaliana thus contributing to the understanding of the molecular events leading to development of self-compatibility.

Common buckwheat is a self-incompatible, insect-pollinated allogamous plant. This study examined growth and yield of the common buckwheat self-compatible and hybrid lines pollinated with and without flies. Self-compatible ‘IH3’, hybrid ‘IP2/IH3’, and standard self-incompatible ‘Kitawasesoba’ were used in field and pot experiments. Self-compatibility of ‘IH3’ was shown to be of high purity. Approximately 10% segregation of pin plants from ‘IP2/IH3’ was observed. The harvest index of ‘Kitawasesoba’ pollinated without flies was considerably lower than that pollinated with flies in both field and pot experiments. The harvest index values of ‘IH3’ and ‘IP2/IH3’ were hardly affected by the presence or absence of flies. The morphological traits of ‘IH3’ were significantly lower than those of the other two genotypes. Large differences in these traits between ‘IP2/IH3’ and ‘Kitawasesoba’ were not observed in either the field or pot experiments. The seed yield of ‘Kitawasesoba’ pollinated without flies tended to be lower than that pollinated with flies. The seed yield of ‘IP2/IH3’ tended to be higher than that of ‘IH3’. The hybrid line ‘IP2/IH3’ showed a high fertilization rate, which was nearly as high as that of ‘IH3’. Rate of fertilization and percentage of ripe seeds were higher in ‘IH3’ and ‘IP2/IH3’, wherein they were hardly affected by the presence or absence of flies, than in ‘Kitawasesoba’. The ‘IP2/IH3’ hybrid line will be useful for understanding the stable high-yielding ability of self-compatibility common buckwheat.

The morphology of olive flowers allows either self- or cross-pollination that could partially explain the existence of both reproductive features in this species. However, a high degree of self-incompatibility is reported for many olive genotypes, that could be an important reproductive barrier influencing olive yield. Due to the strong environmental influence, results of compatibility tests are often contradictory, making cultivar classification quite imprecise. In this study, the self-incompatibility value has been determined for four olive genotypes (Bella di Spagna, Coratina, Leccino, and Ogliarola barese) widespread in the Mediterranean basin. Moreover, the incompatibility relationships of cultivar Coratina with some suitable pollinizers (Leccino, Oliastro, and Picholine) have been studied in controlled crosses: the in vitro germination potential of progenies has been evaluated and the selection of cross-derived embryos has been indirectly performed by the molecular characterization of the corresponding endosperm. The results increase knowledge on factors affecting self-compatibility in olive. Moreover, they provide useful information to farmers about the most effective cultivars for the set-up of new olive grove or for graft planning. Finally, they provide a new strategy and procedure based on endosperm analysis by SSRs for an accurate, fast, and relatively cheap screening of embryos/seedlings.

Wild blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton, for the most part requires cross-pollination. However, there is a continuum across a gradient from zero to 100% in self-compatibility. We previously found by sampling many fields that 20–25% of clones during bloom have high levels of self-compatibility (≥50%). In 2009–2011, and 2015 we studied the ecology of self-pollination in wild blueberry, specifically its phenology and bee recruitment and subsequent bee density on bloom. We found that highly self-compatible clones were predominantly early blooming genotypes in the wild blueberry population. On average, fruit set and berry weight were highest in self-compatible genotypes. The bumble bee community (queens only early in the spring) was characterized by bees that spent large amounts of time foraging in self-compatible plant patches that comprised only a small proportion of the blueberry field, the highest density in the beginning of bloom when most genotypes in bloom were self-compatible. As bloom proceeded in the spring, more plants were in bloom and thus more land area was occupied by blooming plants. The absolute density of bumble bee queens per m2 declined, as a dilution effect, and this probably resulted in lower fruit set throughout the field.

It has been proved that the gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI), mainly exists in Rosaceae and Solanaceae, is controlled by S genes, which are two tightly linked genes located at highly polymorphic S-locus: the S-RNase for pistil specificity and the F-box gene (SFB/SLF) for pollen specificity, respectively. However, the roles of those genes in SI of peach are still a subject of extensive debate. In our study, we selected 37 representative varieties according to the evolution route of peach and identified their S genotypes. We cloned pollen determinant genes mutated PperSFB1m, PperSFB2m, PperSFB4m, and normal PperSFB2, and style determinant genes PperS1-RNase, PperS2-RNase, PperS2m-RNase, and PperS4-RNase. The mutated PperSFBs encode truncated SFB proteins due to a fragment insertion. The truncated PperSFBs and normal PperSFB2 interacted with PperS-RNases demonstrated by Y2H. Normal PperSFB2 was divided into four parts: box, box-V1, V1-V2, and HVa-HVb. The box domain of PperSFB2 did not interact with PperS-RNases, both of the box-V1 and V1-V2 had interactions with PperS-RNases, while the hypervariable region of PperSFB2 HVa-HVb only interacted with PperS2-RNase showed by Y2H and BiFC assay. Bioinformatics analysis of peach genome revealed that there were other F-box genes located at S-locus, and of which three F-box genes were specifically expressed in pollen, named as PperSLFL1, PperSLFL2, and PperSLFL3, respectively. In phylogenetic analysis PperSLFLs clustered with Maloideae SFBB genes, and PperSFB genes were clustered into the other group with other SFB genes of Prunus. Protein interaction analysis revealed that the three PperSLFLs interacted with PperSSK1 and PperS-RNases with no allelic specificity. In vitro ubiquitination assay showed that PperSLFLs could tag ubiquitin molecules onto PperS-RNases. The above results suggest that three PperSLFLs are the appropriate candidates for the “general inhibitor,” which would inactivate the S-RNases in pollen tubes, involved in the self-incompatibility of peach.

This paper evaluates the self-compactibility of flowing sand-concretes (FSC) mixtures, incorporated various dune sand and marble powder contents, by testing flowability (determined by slump flow and v-funnel tests), passing ability (determined by L-box test) and segregation (determined by the visual stability index). The compressive strength at 28 days was also determined. Results show that the slump flow of all FSC mixtures lie between 450 and 840 mm, thus satisfying flowability according the recommendations of AFGC, except for the mixture made with 150 kg/m3 of marble powder (with a slump flow of 450 mm). V-funnel flow time, T500 time and L-box ratio of all mixtures were about 1.7-3.8 s, 0.6-2.3 s and 0.5-0.93 respectively. These results indicate that FSC have a v-funnel time shorter than the range proposed by EFNARC recommendations (8-12 s). Despite lower v-funnel times, no visual stability loss has been observed for all studied mixtures (all mixtures have a visual segregation index of 0 and 1).

Self-incompatibility is an important factor in limiting the yield of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). The research aimed to study the effect of self-compatibility on cocoa related to pod and bean characteristics and seedling performance. The research was conducted at Kaliwining Research Station, Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute, Jember and Bogor Agriculture University in Bogor. The research used completely randomized design with three clones as treatment and each treatment repeated three times. The three clones used had a different self-compatibility characteristics; NA 32 (self-incompatible), DR 2 and Sulawesi 2 (self-compatible). Fruit set, pod characteristics, bean characteristics and seedling performance were observed. The results showed that self compatible cocoa clones had higher of fruit set per cushion (4,7-7,9 fruit set per tree) than selfincompatible (1,9 fruit set per cushion). Sulawesi 2 as a self compatible cocoa clone showed the lowest of fallen fruit set per cushion after two and four weeks. Self compatible cocoa clones (Sulawesi 2 and DR 2) had greater pod and better bean quality than self incompatible (NA 32) included pod length, pod weight, pod girth, weight of wet beans per pod, number of beans per pod, volume per wet bean, weight of dry bean and weight of nib. While number of poorly beans per pod in self incompatible showed higher than self compatible clones. Seedling performance of self compatible showed better than self incompatible for plant height and stem diameter. Visually the seedling of self compatible showed homogeny than self incompatible and variant analysis of plant height showed that self compatible were lower than self incompatible.

The deficiency of pollinators is indicated as the main factor limiting fruit set in orchids. Nectariferous species are more successful in setting fruits than nectarless species. In the present study, we tested whether pollinator limitation lowers reproductive success in populations of Cypripedium calceolus on environmental islands in the Biebrza National Park, NE Poland. Moreover, we analyzed how population size and structure affect pollination success. Our observations and results of experiments document the low level of fruiting in populations of nectarless C. calceolus (9.2% on average) and strong pollen limitation. Generally, we noted a positive relationship between pollination success and all parameters of population size (measured by both occupied area and number of clumps or shoots) and parameters measuring floral display (number of flowers in population, number of flowers in clumps, spatial structure of flowering shoots). We suggest that information about factors influencing the reproductive success of this endangered species may be useful for planning appropriate conservation actions.

Legitimate flowers visitors pollinate the flower during the visit and thus influence the production of fruits and seeds. We tested whether the visitation rate of potential pollinators is associated with the amount of seeds per fruit produced by the self-compatible bromeliad Tillandsia stricta (Bromeliaceae). We determined whether hummingbirds are legitimate visitors by testing for a correlation between visits and pollination (seed production) at the Guapiaçú Ecological Reserve (Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçú), state of Rio de Janeiro. We tested 30 flowers, five of which were also monitored to test the possibility of spontaneous self-pollination. The remaining 25 flowers were exposed to floral visitors. Twenty-two flowers formed fruits and seeds, from which three formed seeds without floral visits. The hummingbird Amazilia fimbriata (Gmelin, 1788) was the only legitimate visitor. The average number (± standard deviation) of seeds was 27 units (±15) per fruit. The floral visitation rate by A. fimbriata was 6.6 (±3.4) visits/per flower. The number of floral visits and the amount of seed produced were positively correlated (r² = 0.58, p < 0.01). Thus, A. fimbriata is a legitimate floral visitor of T. stricta, and influences seed production per fruit in this bromeliad.

The aim of this study was to obtain new broccoli lines with cytoplasmic male sterility trait for the development of the modern F1 hybrids. CDT70 cauliflower line obtained in the Research Institute of Horticulture, formerly Research Institute of Vegetable Crops, Skierniewice, Poland, with the reliable cytoplasmic male sterility from Raphanus sativus (Ogu-INRA) was selected as a source of this trait. Three broccoli lines: BMi, BCr1 and BCr2 were used as donors of commercial characters in all cross combinations with sterile components. Selected fertile broccoli genotypes were characterized by good quality, uniformity and high level of self-compatibility. The breeding procedure included three consecutive back crosses of male sterile genotypes with fertile broccoli lines that lasted from 2008 to 2012. In each generation, self-compatibility level, the stability of the male sterility trait and ability for the generative propagation of back-crossed genotypes were tested in comparison with donor broccoli lines in the greenhouse. The agronomical and morphological characters of the back-crossed progeny were also evaluated in the field. As a result, three CMS broccoli lines of Bc3 generation with good quality and high seeding index, suitable for the breeding purposes, were obtained.

Pansy, Viola × wittrockiana, is a popular ornamental plant. Effects of polyploidy on phenotype and four pollination methods on capsule and seed set were studied using ten octoploid (2n = 8x) and two hexadecaploid (2n = 16x) genotypes, originating from induced mutagenesis. Principal component analysis, using 19 phenotypic, phenological and physiological characteristics, revealed that hexadecaploids showed larger differences to the corresponding standard cultivars than octoploids. Number of seed per capsule was similar among genotypes. Capsule set with open pollination was 32-64 %, with self-pollination by hand 18-49% and with cross-pollination by hand 14-43%, while no plant successfully set capsules with seeds under isolators if not pollinated manually. Thus, Viola × wittrockiana is self-compatible but requires an agent-mediation for successful pollination. The induced phenotypes were found stable over four generations. Hexadecaploids had more attractive phenotypes but fewer seeds than octoploids. However, variation in seed set enabled selection of plants with high fertility, and average seed set increased over generations. Thus, new varieties, fulfilling aesthetic criteria as well as economic and agronomic traits, can be bred from induced mutagenesis.

Although pollen tube growth has been an important criterion for self-compatibility evaluation in almond, there is not a clear-cut separation between positive and negative growth of pollen tubes in the different genotypes. The examination of pollen tube growth after selfing almond seedlings has allowed establishing different levels of compatibility, but not a clear-cut separation between self-compatible (SC) and self-incompatible (SI) genotypes, related to the presence of pseudo-self-compatibility in almond. Consequently, a relationship between pollen tube growth and self-compatibility in almond may be established for evaluating the seedlings in breeding programs.

Cuphea melvilla é uma espécie peculiar dentro de um gênero majoritariamente melitófilo. Dois agrupamentos de indivíduos, em bordas das matas de galeria do Córrego do Panga, Uberlândia, MG, foram estudados com o objetivo de investigar o sistema de polinização e sistema de reprodução da espécie na região. O estudo foi realizado de janeiro a junho de 1999. Cuphea melvilla é uma espécie arbustiva com características morfológicas e eventos florais que confirmam sua adaptação à polinização por beija-flores. A floração foi longa, com início em Janeiro, em plena estação chuvosa, e término em Julho, no início da seca. O tubo floral formado pelo hipanto é calcarado na base, onde se acumula o néctar produzido por nectário localizado na base do ovário. As flores são marcadamente protândricas, mas flores em diferentes fases podem ser encontradas nos racemos. Os dados mostraram que a espécie é autocompatível e não apomítica, mas devido à dicogamia marcada, necessita polinização ativa para formar frutos. Phaethornis pretrei, Amazilia fimbriata, Thalurania furcata, Eupetomena macroura e Chlorostilbon lucidus (fêmea) foram as espécies de beija-flores observadas visitando e polinizando as flores de C. melvilla. Amazilia fimbriata e C. lucidus apresentaram ocasionalmente comportamento territorial, P. pretrei apresentou forrageamento em linhas de captura, e T. furcata e E. macroura apresentaram forrageamento do tipo oportunístico, visitando as populações estudadas esporadicamente. Amazilia fimbriata, C. lucidus e P. pretrei foram considerados os polinizadores mais importantes, dada a sua constância. As características morfológicas das flores de Cuphea melvilla relacionadas a adaptações aos beija-flores parecem ser derivadas no gênero, sendo que a polinização por beija-flores nas distintas seções indica adaptação convergente a este modo de polinização.Cuphea melvilla is a peculiar species of a mostly melittophilous genus. Various aspects of the floral and reproductive biology of two groups of individuals, which occur on the edge of gallery forests on the Panga stream (in Uberlândia, southeastern Brazil), were studied. Observations were carried out during the flowering season of 1999. Cuphea melvilla is a shrub with floral features adapted to hummingbird pollination. It has a long flowering period, from January to July, but flowers the most during the rainy season. The flower tube of this species is of hypanthial origin, has a spur at the base, and accumulates nectar, which is produced by a nectary at the base of the ovary. The flowers were protandrous but different floral phases were present from the top to the bottom of the simple racemes. The species appears to be self-compatible but non-apomictic and needs active pollination to form fruits. Pheathornis pretrei, Amazilia fimbriata, Thalurania furcata, Eupetomena macroura and Chlorostilbon lucidus (female) were the hummingbird species observed visiting and pollinating the C. melvilla flowers. Amazilia fimbriata and C. lucidus showed occasional territorial behaviour in relation to the C. melvilla populations, whereas P. pretrei seemed to be trapliner. Thalurania furcata and E. macroura visited the studied populations sporadically. Amazilia fimbriata, C. lucidus and P. pretrei were considered the main pollinators for the studied populations due to their frequency. The flower features of Cuphea melvilla that are related to hummingbird pollination appear to be derived within the genus, and bird pollination, within different sections of the genus, indicate a convergent adaptation.

The extent to which plants depend on pollinators for outcross pollen transportation is a key issue in plant reproductive ecology. We evaluated the putative breeding system, foral display, and natural pollination in two Southern Cone of South American orchids, Gavilea araucana and G. venosa, by performing four hand pollination trials (agamospermy, autogamy, geitonogamy, and xenogamy tests) and by counting each fower and fruit produced by plants in natural conditions. Fruit set differed signifcantly depending on the origin of pollen as well as on the presence of a pollen vector. None of these species produced fruits by the agamospermy tests, therefore indicating that they require the presence of pollen on the stigmas for fruit setting. By contrast, only G. araucana was capable of fruit setting following the autogamy test, therefore demostrating that this orchid needs not depend on pollinators for fruit set. Furthermore, G. araucana and G. venosa produced 100% fruits by geitonogamy and by xenogamy, thereby indicating that both plants are totally self-compatible. The mean number of fowers per plant was 2.1 times higher in G. venosa with respect to G. araucana; however, natural fruiting success was 28.8% and 98.9%, respectively. Furthermore, while the increase in fruiting success signifcantly and positively correlated with an increase in foral display in G. araucana, in G. venosa these variables were unrelated. Certainly, further studies concerning the reproductive strategies in orchids of southern South America are of great importance.El alcance al cual las plantas dependen de polinizadores para el transporte de polen para los exocruzamientos es uno de los temas claves en ecología reproductiva de las plantas. Evaluamos el sistema reproductivo potencial, despliegue foral y polinización natural en dos orquídeas del Cono Sur de Sudamérica, Gavilea araucana y G. venosa, efectuando cuatro ensayos de polinización manual (agamospermia, autogamia, geitonogamia y xenogamia) y contando cada for y fruto producidos por las plantas en condiciones naturales. La producción de frutos difrió signifcativamente dependiendo del origen del polen así como de la presencia de un vector polínico. Ninguna de las especies produjo frutos en las pruebas de agamospermia indicando, por lo tanto, que ellas requieren de la presencia de polen en los estigmas para producir frutos. Por el contrario, solamente G. araucana fue capaz de producir frutos siguiendo la prueba de autogamia demostrando, por ende, que esta orquídea no necesita depender de polinizadores para producir frutos. Además, G. araucana y G. venosa produjeron un 100% de frutos por geitonogamia y xenogamia, indicando esto, que ambas plantas son autocompatibles. El número promedio de fores por planta fue 2,1 veces mayor en G. venosa con respecto a G. araucana; sin embargo, el éxito en la fructifcación natural fue de 28,8% y 98,9%, respectivamente. Además, mientras el incremento en el éxito de la fructifcación se correlacionó positiva y signifcativamente en G. araucana, en G. venosa estas variables no estuvieron relacionadas. Ciertamente, estudios adicionales referidos a las estrategias reproductivas de las orquídeas del sur de Sudamérica son de gran importancia.

Plant breeding systems have been viewed as mechanisms to promote outcrossing in order to increase genetic variability and prevent inbreeding depression. However, reduced fitness after crossing, outbreeding depression, has been often observed between individuals from different populations and more rarely, within populations. We studied the breeding system of Colutea hispanica using experimental hand pollinations in field conditions in one population in Central Spain in 2004 and 2006. Pollination experiments showed that C. hispanica set fruits from both self and cross-pollinations, suggesting that the species is highly self-compatible. In addition, fruit set was highest following geitonogamy in both years and no flowers set fruits from xenogamy in 2004. Although such enhanced reproductive success following selfing rather than crossing has been largely ignored in many studies on plant reproduction, it seems to be not as rare in plants as previously thought.

The breeding system, the floral characteristics and the visitors of the polymorphic Passiflora suberosa were studied in different natural populations of Corrientes and Misiones provinces, and at a partially-opened greenhouse in Buenos Aires. The different reproductive indexes calculated evidenced that, although it is highly self-compatible, autogamy is partial. The reproductive efficiency was similar in the field and in the greenhouse. The major relative reproductive success obtained by induced self-pollination suggests that the reproductive output may be improved with the help of pollinations, either natural or artificial. Although the single flower and the blooming are inconspicuous, the floral characters may be involved in wasps attraction. The scarcity or even absence of pollinators (depending on the sites) seems to be compensated with the capacity of autogamy and the extended flowering period. The successful treatments performed in the greenhouse and the long period of time the fruits remain on the plants constitute stimulant features to cultivate this ornamental, medicinal, edible and tinctoreous species.El sistema reproductivo, las características florales y los visitantes de la polimórfica P. suberosa fueron estudiados en distintas poblaciones naturales de las provincias de Corrientes y Misiones y en un invernáculo parcialmente abierto en Buenos Aires. Los distintos índices reproductivos calculados evidenciaron que, a pesar de que es altamente autocompatible, la autogamia es parcial. La eficacia reproductiva fue similar en el campo y en el invernáculo. El mayor éxito reproductivo relativo obtenido por autopolinización inducida sugiere que la reproducción puede ser mejorada con la ayuda de polinizaciones, ya sean naturales o artificiales. Aunque las flores por sí solas y la floración son inconspicuas, los caracteres florales pueden estar involucrados en la atracción de avispas. La escasez o incluso la ausencia de polinizadores (dependiendo de los sitios) parecen estar compensada con la capacidad de autogamia y el período extendido de floración. Los tratamientos fructíferos llevados a cabo en el invernáculo y el largo tiempo que los frutos permanecen en las plantas constituyen aspectos estimulantes para cultivar esta especie ornamental, medicinal, comestible y tintórea.

Convolvulus chilensis es una hierba perenne, única representante endémica de la familia Convolvulaceae en Chile. Se estudió el sistema de reproducción, fenología, morfología y longevidad floral de C. chilensis en una población natural ubicada en la localidad de Aucó, dentro de la Reserva Nacional Las Chinchillas, IV Región, Chile. Se montó un experimento de polinización controlada considerando los tratamientos de polinización natural, polinización cruzada, autopolinización manual, autopolinización automática y apomixis, evaluándose su efecto sobre la formación de frutos y el número de semillas producidas por fruto. Adicionalmente, se compararon los siguientes atributos de la progenie según tipo de polinización (autopolinización o polinización cruzada): peso de semilla, germinación, altura y número de hojas de plántulas de ocho semanas en condiciones de invernadero. Se encontró que C. chilensis es una especie autocompatible, parcialmente autógama (capaz de autopolinizarse sin mediador) y parcialmente apomíctica (capaz de producir semillas sin participación de gameto masculino). La longevidad floral fue estimada en 5,25 h. Durante este período, aproximadamente en 1,5 h hay disponibilidad de polen en los estambres. El período de floración se extiende por 22 semanas (agosto a enero). El tratamiento de apomixis presentó el menor porcentaje de formación de frutos y la menor cantidad de semillas por flor en comparación a los tratamientos de polinización natural, cruzada manual, autopolinización automática y autopolinización manual, los cuales no mostraron diferencias entre sí en ambos atributos. El tipo de polinización (autopolinización o polinización cruzada) no afecta el desempeño de la progenie en los atributos de semilla y plántula evaluadosThe perennial herb Convolvulus chilensis is the only endemic species of the Convolvulaceae in Chile. The breeding system, phenology, morphology and floral longevity of C. chilensis were studied in a natural population located at Aucó, Reserva Nacional Las Chinchillas, IV Región, Chile. A controlled pollination experiment was carried out considering the following treatments: natural pollination, cross-pollination, manual self-pollination, automatic self-pollination and apomixis, evaluating their effect on fruit formation and seed number per fruit. In addition, we evaluated the following traits of the progeny according to pollination type (selfing or outcrossing): seed weight, germination and seedling height and number of leaves after eight weeks of germination under green house conditions. We found Convolvulus chilensis is self-compatible, partially autogamous (capable of selfing without a pollinator agent) and partially apomictic (capable of producing seeds without male gamet). The floral longevity was estimated in 5.25 h During this period, the pollen on the stamens is available only during 1.5 h. The blooming period lasted for 22 weeks (August to January). The apomixis treatment showed a lower fruit set and seed number per flower than natural, cross and self-pollination treatments, which did not show any difference between them in both traits. Pollination type (selfing or outcrossing) did not affect progeny performance in terms of the evaluated seed and seedling traits

The paper provides of overview of recent publications devoted to peculiarities of reproduction systems in orchids. The diversity of reproductive strategies within Orchidaceae family as well as impact of different factors on reproduction efficiency both in situ and ex situ are analized. For the most orchids species the positive effect of xenogamous pollination on the seed viability has been found. It was determined that the orchids predominately are allogamous, but self-compatible, whereas the obligate selfincompatibility, as well as full compatibility, within family was found rather rare. The perspectives of future investigation of reproductive biology of tropical orchids ex situ are determined.

Premise of the study: Ten microsatellite primers were developed to obtain information on genetic variation in Lilium longiflorum, a bulbous species showing high intraspecific genetic differentiation. Methods and Results: Of 61 microsatellite loci isolated using the dual suppression PCR technique, 10 loci were effective to characterize and estimate genetic variation in two populations of L. longiflorum. The number of alleles at each locus was different between the populations (averages = 3.2 and 10.3 alleles per locus), and the mean observed heterozygosity values were 0.245 and 0.732. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that there is significant genetic variation between the populations and that the microsatellite markers developed in this study will be useful tools for the investigation of the genetic structure and mating system of natural L. longiflorum populations.

ABSTRACT Widely distributed organisms face different ecological scenarios throughout their range, which can potentially lead to micro-evolutionary differentiation at specific localities. Mating systems of animal pollinated plants are supposed to evolve in response to the availability of local pollinators, with consequent changes in flower morphology. We tested the relationship among pollination , mating system, and flower morphology over a large spatial scale in Brazilian savannas using the tree Curatella americana (Dilleniaceae). We compared fruit set with and without pollinators in the field, and analyzed pollen tube growth from self- and cross-pollinated flowers in different populations. Populations with higher natural fruit set also had lower fruit set in bagged flowers, suggesting stronger barriers to self-fertilization. Furthermore, higher levels of autogamy in field experiments were associated with more pollen tubes reaching ovules in self-pollinated flowers. Morphometric studies of floral and leaf traits indicate closer-set reproductive organs, larger stigmas and smaller anthers in populations with more autogamy. We show that the spatial variation in mating system, flower morphology and pollination previously described for herbs also applies to long-lived, perennial tropical trees, thus reemphasizing that mating systems are a population-based attribute that vary according to the ecological scenario where the plants occur.

Resumo Cipura paludosa está inserida na família Iridaceae a qual se destaca pela grande diversidade de sistemas de polinização, ofertando recursos como néctar, pólen e óleo. Esse estudo foi conduzido em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica em área urbana, em Recife, Pernambuco. O trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a biologia floral e reprodutiva da herbácea C. paludosa. Foi avaliado o período de abertura floral, receptividade estigmática, deiscência das anteras, número de grãos de pólen e óvulos por flor, morfometria floral, experimentos de autopolinização espontânea e de polinização natural, além da observação de visitantes florais. Cipura paludosa é melitófila, autocompatível, oferece pólen e óleo (produzido em elaióforos tricomados) como recursos e recebe visitas de Plebeia sp. e Augochlora thalia. Por formar poucos frutos espontaneamente, C. paludosa se beneficia dos serviços de polinização para o seu sucesso reprodutivo. A ocorrência de abelhas não especialistas na coleta de óleo pode levar a má qualidade nos serviços de polinização, reduzindo a aptidão da espécie.

Abstract Reproductive biology and pollination of the fanwort, Cabomba aquatica Aubl., were studied in populations from dams located in Dois Irmãos State Park, Recife, Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil. Flower anthesis in this species is diurnal and lasts two days. The flowers are bisexual and exhibit herkogamy and incomplete protogyny. Each flower produces an average of 2.1 ± 94.8 pollen grains, with a P/O ratio of 1.055 and high pollen viability (99.7%). This species is self-compatible, but requires biotic vectors to transfer pollen. We observed visits of bees (Apidae and Halictidae), wasps (Vespidae) and flies (Diptera) to the flowers. Bees and wasps were considered to be effective pollinators, both due to their behavior and their high frequency of visits to flowers, whereas flies were considered to be occasional pollinators. The floral mechanism (herkogamy and protogyny), together with low nectar production and pollinator behavior during visits, may contribute to increase pollen flow between individuals.