Search

Plant responses to habitat fragmentation are determined by their reproductive system and the level of specialization in their pollination system. One way to understand possible responses is through reproductive success, degree of self-compatibility, and susceptibility to pollination. Mucuna mutisiana, a liana typical of secondary forests and associated with the banks of rivers in the Tropical Dry Forests (BsT) of the Colombian Caribbean, flowers throughout the year, although it is more frequent in the rainy season, most visits to Its flowers are caused by nectarivores bats, mainly Glossophaga soricina and Glossophaga longirostris. We describe that the specialization of pollination increases this susceptibility to fragmentation due to the negative effect it has on the reproductive success of plants by limiting the quantity or quality of the pollen they receive. Using controlled pollination methods, the reproductive susceptibility to pollen limitation was evaluated through the reproductive success of Mucuna mutisiana. We performed a consistent artificial pollination factorial experiment with different levels of pollen limitation that allowed us to estimate the production of fruits and seeds. We report that M. mutisiana is partially self-compatible, with an ISI = 0.776 and reproductive success of 34.04% when visited by its effective pollinators. An analysis of variance showed that there is differentiation in fruit production between the different levels of controlled pollination, being higher in natural pollination and pollination with own pollen, unlike cross pollination where the results were not significant. In addition, no differences were found between seed production by natural pollination and by self-pollination, with a higher seed production being observed in cross-pollination. This confirms that M. mutisiana has an affinity for its own pollen depending on its pollinators, it is evident that they are facultative xenogamous with mixed mating, which gives them reproductive security with advantages for the fitness of their populations. This is a particularly clear focus for developing native habitat restoration and conservation strategies., Las respuestas de las plantas a la fragmentación del hábitat vienen determinadas por su sistema reproductivo y el nivel de especialización de su sistema de polinización. Una forma de entender las posibles respuestas es a través del éxito reproductivo, el grado de autocompatibilidad y la susceptibilidad a la polinización. Mucuna mutisiana, una liana típica de bosques secundarios y asociada a las riberas de los ríos en los Bosques Secos Tropicales (BsT) del Caribe Colombiano, florece durante todo el año, aunque más frecuentemente en la época lluviosa; la mayoría de las visitas a sus flores son causadas por murciélagos nectarívoros, principalmente Glossophaga soricina y Glossophaga longirostris. Describimos que la especialización de la polinización aumenta esta susceptibilidad a la fragmentación debido al efecto negativo que tiene sobre el éxito reproductivo de las plantas al limitar la cantidad o calidad del polen que reciben. Utilizando métodos de polinización controlada, se evaluó la susceptibilidad reproductiva a la limitación de polen a través del éxito reproductivo de Mucuna mutisiana. Realizamos un experimento factorial de polinización artificial consistente con diferentes niveles de limitación de polen que nos permitió estimar la producción de frutos y semillas. Reportamos que M. mutisiana es parcialmente autocompatible, con un ISI = 0,776 y un éxito reproductivo de 34,04% cuando es visitada por sus polinizadores efectivos. Un análisis de varianza mostró que existe diferenciación en la producción de frutos entre los distintos niveles de polinización controlada, siendo mayor en polinización natural y polinización con polen propio, a diferencia de la polinización cruzada, donde los resultados no fueron significativos. Además, no se encontraron diferencias entre la producción de semillas por polinización natural y por autopolinización, observándose una mayor producción de semillas en la polinización cruzada. Esto confirma que M. mutisiana tiene afinidad por su propio polen, dependiendo de sus polinizadores. Es evidente que son xenógamas facultativas con apareamiento mixto, lo que les da seguridad reproductiva con ventajas para la aptitud de sus poblaciones. Se trata de un objetivo especialmente claro para desarrollar estrategias de restauración y conservación de hábitats autóctonos.

Rhodophiala bifida es una especie bulbosa nativa de Argentina, Brasil, Paraguay y Uruguay. El tamaño y color de sus flores la hacen muy atractiva para el cultivo ornamental. El desarrollo de protocolos de domesticación y mejoramiento genético son esenciales para poder proponerla como un nuevo cultivo, considerando que la industria florícola global requiere novedades. Como punto de partida, se hicieron estudios de compatibilidad y eficiencia reproductiva a través de la realización de cruzamientos controlados considerando fenotipos de flores de distintos colores. Tanto la autopolinización como la polinización cruzada produjeron frutos por lo que se comprobó un sistema reproductivo mixto en R. bifida. La eficiencia reproductiva fue significativamente mayor en la polinización cruzada que en la autopolinización siendo 49.6 y 19 respectivamente, para las flores rojas, genotipo más representativo de la población. No se observó fructificación en flores emasculadas sin polinizar por lo que se descartó la apomixis autónoma. Los cruzamientos entre fenotipos produjeron frutos excepto para el caso de cruzamientos entre fenotipos de flores rosas por fucsias. Rhodophiala bifi da is a bulbous species native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The size and color of its flowers make it very attractive for ornamental cultivation. The development of domestication and breeding protocols are essential to propose it as a new crop, considering that the global floricultural industry requires novelties. As a starting point, compatibility and reproductive efficiency studies were carried out through controlled crosses considering phenotypes of flowers of different color. Both self-pollination and cross-pollination produced fruits, so a mixed reproductive system was verified in R. bifida. Reproductive efficiency was significantly higher in cross-pollination than in self-pollination, being 49.6 and 19 respectively, for red flowers, the most representative genotype of the population. No fruiting was observed in emasculated flowers without pollination, so autonomous apomixis was ruled out. The crossings among phenotypes produced fruits except for the case of crossings between pink by fuchsias flowered phenotypes. Instituto de Floricultura Fil: Facciuto, Gabriela Rosa. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Floricultura; Argentina Fil: Coviella, Maria Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Floricultura; Argentina Fil: Bugallo, Veronica Lucia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Floricultura; Argentina.

Two new species of orchids, Octomeria pacii, and O. panguiensis are described and illustrated from Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador; likewise, information is provided on their distribution, habitat, and conservation status. These species differ from other species in the genus by their floral and vegetative characteristics and their apparent reproductive strategy of cleistogamy. Octomeria pacii is similar to Octomeria deceptrix, but differs in the caespitose habit, the ramicauls compressed along their entire length, the narrowly elliptical leaves, the autogamous flowers, the translucent white sepals suffused with magenta and the obovate, white lip, marked with magenta. Octomeria panguiensis is similar to O. werneri, but differs by the larger, shortly repent plants with lanceolate leaves, the cleistogamous flowers, the translucent white-colored sepals, the 5-veined lateral sepals and the oblong-trilobed lip with the apical lobe tridentate. Resumen. Dos nuevas especies de orquídeas, Octomeria pacii y O. panguiensis, se describen e ilustran de la Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador; así mismo, se brinda información sobre su distribución, hábitat y estado de conservación. Estas especies difieren de otras en el género por las características florales y vegetativas y por la aparente estrategia reproductiva de cleistogamia. Octomeria pacii es similar a Octomeria deceptrix, pero difiere en el hábito cespitoso, los ramicaules comprimidos en toda su longitud, las hojas estrechamente elípticas, las flores autógamas, los sépalos blancos translúcidos y teñidos de magenta y el labio blanco obovado, manchado con magenta. Octomeria panguiensis es similar a O. werneri pero se diferencia por las plantas más grandes y repentes, con hojas lanceoladas, las flores cleistógamas, los sépalos translúcidos de color blanco, los sépalos laterales con 5 nervaduras y el labelo oblongo trilobulado con el lóbulo apical tridentado.

Las especies de Byrsonima presentan monomorfismo floral y comparten gremio de visitantes/polinizadores. Estos rasgos sugieren la evaluación de hipótesis de interincompatibilidad recíproca entre dos especies sintópicas de Byrsonima: B. pachyphylla y B. crassifolia. Se observó el crecimiento del tubo polínico con comportamiento similar en la superficie estigmática, canal del pistilo, ovario y canal micropilar de ambas especies. Además, se describió la autoincompatibilidad parcial en la autopolinización con mayor fructificación en la autogamia. La polinización cruzada y la autopolinización coexisten y se produce una intercompatibilidad recíproca. Los mecanismos de aislamiento precigóticos son improbables por la ausencia de tubos polínicos anormales, producción de frutos y ausencia de híbridos en la área de estudio. Byrsonima species present floral monomorphism and sharing visitor/pollinator guild. These traits suggest the hypothesis evaluation of reciprocal inter-incompatibility between two syntopic Byrsonima species: B. pachyphylla and B. crassifolia. Pollen tube growth with similar behavior was observed in the stigmatic surface, pistil canal, ovary and micropylar channel to both species. In addition, partial self-incompatibility in self-pollination with greater fruiting in autogamy was observed. Cross-pollination and selfpollination coexist, and reciprocal intercompatibility occurs. Prezygotic isolation mechanisms are unlikely by the absence of abnormal pollen tubes, higher fruiting production and absence of hybrids in the study site

Floral self-incompatibility affecting yearly yield in a weather-dependent manner and graft incompatibility affecting longevity of mature trees are two important traits for apricot production. However, genetic control of graft compatibility and relationship between these traits are unknown. Here, we analyzed its inheritance in an F1 apricot progeny from a cross between self- and graft- incompatible and self- and graft-compatible cultivars. Hybrid individuals were genotyped for establishing self-incompatibility status and grafted on the plum rootstock ‘Marianna 2624’. Phenotyping of graft incompatibility was done at two time points, one month and one year after grafting. Anatomical (necrotic layer, bark and wood discontinuity for two consecutive years) and cytomorphological (cell proliferation, cell arrangement and cell shape one month after grafting) characteristics related to graft compatibility displayed continuous variation within the progeny, suggesting a polygenic inheritance. Using the Pearson correlation test, strong and significant correlations were detected between anatomical and cytomorphological traits that may reduce the number of characters for screening genotypes or progenies for graft compatibility in segregating crosses. Furthermore, no correlation existed between self- and graft incompatibility traits suggesting that they are independent inheritance traits. Hence, screening an extended hybrid population is required for pyramiding these traits in breeding programs. Published

Published

Self-incompatibility (SI) is one of the most efficient mechanisms to promote out-crossing in plants. However, SI could be a problem for fruit production. An example is apricot (Prunus armeniaca), in which, as in other species of the Rosaceae, SI is determined by an S-RNase-based-Gametophytic Self-Incompatibility (GSI) system. Incompatibility relationships between cultivars can be established by an S-allele genotyping PCR strategy. Until recently, most of the traditional European apricot cultivars were self-compatible but several breeding programs have introduced an increasing number of new cultivars whose pollination requirements are unknown. To fill this gap, we have identified the S-allele of 44 apricot genotypes, of which 43 are reported here for the first time. The identification of Sc in 15 genotypes suggests that those cultivars are self-compatible. In five genotypes, self-(in)compatibility was established by the observation of pollen tube growth in self-pollinated flowers, since PCR analysis could not allowed distinguishing between the Sc and S8 alleles. Self-incompatible genotypes were assigned to their corresponding self-incompatibility groups. The knowledge of incompatibility relationships between apricot cultivars can be a highly valuable tool for the development of future breeding programs by selecting the appropriate parents and for efficient orchard design by planting self-compatible and inter-compatible cultivars., This research was funded by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades—European Regional Development Fund, European Union (AGL2016-77267-R, and AGL2015-74071-JIN); Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (RFP2015-00015-00, RTA2014-00085-00, RTA2017-00003-00); Gobierno de Aragón—European Social Fund, European Union (Grupo Consolidado A12_17R), Fundación Biodiversidad, and Agroseguro S.A

12 Pags.- 3 Tabls.- 2 Figs. Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0), Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a species of the Rosaceae that was originated in Central Asia, from where it entered Europe through Armenia. The release of an increasing number of new cultivars from different breeding programs is resulting in an important renewal of plant material worldwide. Although most traditional apricot cultivars in Europe are self-compatible, the use of self-incompatible cultivars as parental genotypes for breeding purposes is leading to the introduction of a number of new cultivars that behave as self-incompatible. As a consequence, there is an increasing need to interplant those new cultivars with cross-compatible cultivars to ensure fruit set in commercial orchards. However, the pollination requirements of many of these new cultivars are unknown. In this work, we analyze the pollination requirements of a group of 92 apricot cultivars, including traditional and newly-released cultivars from different breeding programs and countries. Self-compatibility was established by the observation of pollen tube behavior in self-pollinated flowers under the microscope. Incompatibility relationships between cultivars were established by the identification of S-alleles by PCR analysis. The self-(in)compatibility of 68 cultivars and the S-RNase genotype of 74 cultivars are reported herein for the first time. Approximately half of the cultivars (47) behaved as self-compatible and the other 45 as self-incompatible. Identification of S-alleles in self-incompatible cultivars allowed allocating them in 11 incompatibility groups, six of them reported here for the first time. The determination of pollination requirements and the incompatibility relationships between cultivars is highly valuable for the appropriate selection of apricot cultivars in commercial orchards and of parental genotypes in breeding programs. The approach described can be transferred to other woody perennial crops with similar problems., This work was supported by Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (MEIC) - European Regional Development Fund, European Union (AGL2012-40239, AGL2013-43732-R, AGL2016-77267-R, and AGL2015-74071-JIN); Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agraria (RFP2015-00015-00, RTA2014-00085-00; RTA2017-00003-00); Gobierno de Aragón - European Social Fund, European Union (Grupo Consolidado A12_17R) and Agroseguro S.A.

Published

5 Pags.- 1 Tabl. The definitive version is available at: https://www.actahort.org/index.htm, Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a member of the Rosaceae originated in China. Most of the European apricot cultivars have been traditionally considered self-compatible (SC) although S-RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI), a common incompatibility mechanism found in the Rosaceae and genetically determined by a locus (S) with multiple alleles, is common in the species. This locus encodes an allele-specific S-RNase, expressed in the style, which inhibits the growth of pollen tubes with the same S alleles. In the last years, an important renewal of plant material is taking place worldwide, with the introduction of new cultivars from different breeding programs. The use of self-incompatible (SI) parental genotypes has resulted in an increasing number of SI new cultivars with unknown pollination requirements. In order to establish the incompatibility relationships among apricot cultivars, in this work we perform a S-RNase allele identification in a group of 48 cultivars from different breeding programs. The S-alleles of each cultivar were determined by PCR amplification of the S-RNase gene. The results allowed allocating the cultivars in their corresponding incompatibility groups, a highly valuable tool for fruit growers to design apricot orchards, and for breeders to choose parental genotypes in breeding programs., Financial support for this research was provided by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO) - European Regional Development Fund, European Union (AGL2013-43732-R, AGL2016-77267-R and AGL2015-74071-JIN); Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agraria (INIA) (RFP2015-00015-00, RTA2014-00085-00); Gobierno de Aragón - European Social Fund, European Union (Grupo Consolidado A-43) and by Agroseguro S.A.

The S-RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) reproduction barrier is important for maintaining genetic diversity in species of the families Solanaceae, Plantaginaceae and Rosaceae. Among the plant taxa with S-RNase-based GSI, Prunus species in the family Rosaceae exhibit Prunus-specific self-incompatibility (SI). Although pistil S and pollen S determinants have been identified, the mechanism underlying SI remains uncharacterized in Prunus species. A putative pollen-part modifier was identified in this study. Disruption of this modifier supposedly confers self-compatibility (SC) to sweet cherry (Prunus avium) ‘Cristobalina’. To identify the modifier, genome re-sequencing experiments were completed involving sweet cherry individuals from 18 cultivars and 43 individuals in two segregating populations. Cataloging of subsequences (35 bp kmers) from the obtained genomic reads, while referring to the mRNA sequencing data, enabled the identification of a candidate gene [M locus-encoded GST (MGST)]. Additionally, the insertion of a transposon-like sequence in the putative MGST promoter region in ‘Cristobalina’ down-regulated MGST expression levels, probably leading to the SC of this cultivar. Phylogenetic, evolutionary and gene expression analyses revealed that MGST may have undergone lineage-specific evolution, and the encoded protein may function differently from the corresponding proteins encoded by GST orthologs in other species, including members of the subfamily Maloideae (Rosaceae). Thus, MGST may be important for Prunus-specific SI. The identification of this novel modifier will expand our understanding of the Prunus-specific GSI system. We herein discuss the possible functions of MGST in the Prunus-specific GSI system. Published

Published

RESUMEN En este estudio se evaluó el sistema reproductivo de Trichopetalum plumosum (Ruiz & Pav.) J.F. Macbr. (Asparagaceae), una geófita endémica de Chile. Se realizaron cinco tratamientos de polinización controlada (agamospermia, autogamia autónoma, autopolinización, polinización cruzada y natural / control). Ninguna de las flores emasculadas y sin polinizar produjo frutos, lo que indica que esta especie no es apomíctica y, por lo tanto, necesita polen para la producción de semillas. La fructificación en el tratamiento de polinización cruzada (70,0%) fue alta y similar al porcentaje alcanzado a través de la polinización natural (90,9%). A pesar del porcentaje menor en la prueba de autopolinización (43,3%), la autogamia autónoma (90,0%) se acercó a los altos valores alcanzados en los dos primeros tratamientos mencionados. Para el promedio de semillas por flor tratada, los resultados concuerdan con los de fructificación. Sin embargo, al evaluar el número promedio de semillas por fruto formado, los tratamientos no mostraron diferencias significativas. Los resultados indican que la población de T. plumosum es autocompatible con una alta capacidad para la autogamia autónoma. Se sugiere que esta última se produce por el movimiento de los estambres hacia el estigma al final del día a medida que las flores se marchitan y cierran, correspondiendo a un modo de autofecundación tardía. ABSTRACT The breeding system of the geophyte endemic to Chile Trichopetalum plumosum (Ruiz & Pav.) J.F. Macbr. (Asparagaceae) was evaluated with five controlled pollination treatments (agamospermy, autonomous autogamy, self-pollination, cross- pollination and natural / control). Emasculated and unpollinated flowers did not produce fruits, therefore, this is a non- apomictic species and needs pollen for seed production. Fruit production via cross and natural pollination treatments were high with 70.0 and 90.9%, respectively. Despite the low production via self-pollination (43.3%), autonomous autogamy (90.0%) achieved high values as cross and natural pollination treatments. The results for the mean number of seeds per flower were similar to fruiting. However, analysis of the mean number of seeds per fruit did not show significant differences. These results indicate that the population of T. plumosum is self-compatible with a high capacity for autonomous autogamy. It could be possible that autonomous autogamy of this species occurs when the stamens of the flowers move toward the stigma while they close and wither at the end of the day, corresponding to a delayed selfing mode.

RESUMEN En este estudio se evaluó el sistema reproductivo de Trichopetalum plumosum (Ruiz & Pav.) J.F. Macbr. (Asparagaceae), una geófita endémica de Chile. Se realizaron cinco tratamientos de polinización controlada (agamospermia, autogamia autónoma, autopolinización, polinización cruzada y natural / control). Ninguna de las flores emasculadas y sin polinizar produjo frutos, lo que indica que esta especie no es apomíctica y, por lo tanto, necesita polen para la producción de semillas. La fructificación en el tratamiento de polinización cruzada (70,0%) fue alta y similar al porcentaje alcanzado a través de la polinización natural (90,9%). A pesar del porcentaje menor en la prueba de autopolinización (43,3%), la autogamia autónoma (90,0%) se acercó a los altos valores alcanzados en los dos primeros tratamientos mencionados. Para el promedio de semillas por flor tratada, los resultados concuerdan con los de fructificación. Sin embargo, al evaluar el número promedio de semillas por fruto formado, los tratamientos no mostraron diferencias significativas. Los resultados indican que la población de T. plumosum es autocompatible con una alta capacidad para la autogamia autónoma. Se sugiere que esta última se produce por el movimiento de los estambres hacia el estigma al final del día a medida que las flores se marchitan y cierran, correspondiendo a un modo de autofecundación tardía.

Published

The examination of the allelic diversity of the locus S in ten almond cultivars from Majorca has shown the presence of the Sf allele in four of them, as well as the presence of five new alleles non identified so far. Although the Sf allele has been described as responsible for the expression of self-compatibility in almond, it has been recently shown that this allele has two different phenotypic expressions. As a consequence, this allele cannot be always considered an index for self-compatibility of the genotypes harbouring it. The study of the four Majorcan cultivars possessing this allele has confirmed their selfincompatibility, showing that this allele is in its phenotypically active form, as it has been also observed in a group of cultivars from southern Italy, a fact possibly suggesting a connexion between these two Mediterranean almond populations.El examen de la diversidad alélica del locus S en diez cultivares mallorquines de almendro ha mostrado la presencia del alelo Sf en cuatro de ellos, así como la presencia de cinco nuevos alelos no identificados hasta ahora. Aunque el alelo Sf se ha descrito como responsable de la expresión de la autocompatibilidad del almendro, recientemente se ha descubierto que tiene dos expresiones fenotípicas diferentes, por lo que no siempre se puede considerar un índice de la autocompatibilidad de los genotipos que lo presentan. El estudio de los cuatro cultivares mallorquines que presentan este alelo ha confirmado su autoincompatibilidad, de manera que este alelo se expresa en estos cultivares en su forma fenotípicamente activa, como también se ha comprobado en un grupo de cultivares del sur de Italia, lo que podría indicar una conexión entre estas dos poblaciones mediterráneas de almendro. [ca] L’examen de la diversitat al·lèlica del locus S en deu cultivars mallorquines d’ametller ha mostrat la presència de l’al·lel Sf en quatre, així com la presència de cinc al·lels nous fins ara no identificats. Encara que l’al·lel Sf s’ha descrit com a responsable de l’expressió de l’autocompatibilitat de l’ametller, fa poc que s’ha descobert que té dues expressions fenotípiques diferents, pel que no sempre es pot considerar un índex de l’autocompatibilitat dels genotips que el tenen. L’estudi de les quatre cultivars mallorquines que presenten aquest al·lel ha confirmat la seva autoincompatibilitat, de manera que aquest al·lel s’hi expressa en la seva forma fenotípicament activa, com també s’ha comprovat en un grup de cultivars del sud d’Itàlia, fet que podria indicar una connexió entre aquestes dues poblacions mediterrànies d’ametller.

Cotutora: Pelayo, Roxibell del C. roxibell@ula.ve En un relicto de bosque al Sureste del Lago de Maracaibo coexisten Heliconia latispatha Benth, H. mariae Hook F y H. bihai L, cuyas flores exhiben características ornitofílicas. Para estudiar la ecología de su polinización evaluamos el patrón de antesis y biología reproductiva, caracterizamos el patrón de producción de néctar y determinamos el ensamble de sus visitantes florales, a los que determinamos su patrón de forrajeo. Monitoreamos sus flores durante la antesis; aislamos flores en preantesis y evaluamos: autogamia; xenogamia; polinización natural (Control 1) y polinización espontánea (Control 2); posteriormente evaluamos la producción de frutos y semillas. Listamos los visitantes florales sobre parches de cada especie. La antesis dura un día. En todos los tratamientos observamos producción de frutos. Heliconia bihai arrojó el mayor número de visitantes (5 colibríes y un paseriforme ladrón), seguida por H. latispatha (4 colibríes) y H. mariae (2 colibríes). La mayoría de los colibríes exhibió un comportamiento rutero. Heliconia bihai produce los mayores valores de volumen y concentración de néctar, seguida por H. latipatha y H. mariae. Estos resultados parecen señalar a H. latispatha y H. bihai como generalistas y H. mariae especialista. Finalmente, establecimos que la autocompatiblidad en estas heliconias no es absoluta. In a forest relict southeast of Maracaibo Lake coexist Heliconia latispatha Benth, H. mariae Hook F y H. bihai L., whose flowers exhibit ornitophilic features. To study their pollination ecology we evaluated pattern of anthesis and reproductive biology, characterized pattern of nectar production and determined the assemblage of their floral visitors, for which we also determined pattern of foraging. Flowers were monitored during anthesis; we isolated flowers in preanthesis and evaluated autogamy, xenogamy, natural pollination (Control 1) and spontaneous pollination (Control 2), after which we evaluated production of fruits and seeds. We listed floral visitors on patches of each species. Anthesis lasts one day. In all treatments we observed fruit production. H. bihai showed the largest number of visitors (5 hummingbirds and a robber passerine), followed by H. latispatha (4 hummingbirds) and H. mariae (2 hummingbirds). Most hummingbirds exhibited a foraging behavior. H. bihai produced the highest values of nectar’s volume and concentration, followed by H. latipatha and H. mariae. These results seem to point to H. latispatha and H. bihai as generalists, and H. mariae as specialist. Finally, we established that autocompatibility in these heliconias is not absolute. pascual@ula.ve Licenciado en Biología

Published

Self-compatibility in almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) is attributed to the presence of the Sf haplotype,allelic to and dominant over the series of S-alleles controlling self-incompatibility. Some forms of the Sf haplotype, however, are phenotypically self-incompatible even though their nucleotide sequences are identical. DNA from leaves and styles from genetically diverse almond samples was cloned and sequenced and then analyzed for changes affecting Sf variants. Epigenetic changes in several cytosine residues were detected in a fragment of 4700 bp of the 5’ upstream region of all self-compatible samples of the Sf allele, differentiating them from all self-incompatible samples of Sf analyzed. This is the first report of DNA methylation in a Rosaceae species and appears to be strongly associated with inactivation of the Sf allele Published

The Sf allele shows two different expressions: an active form (Sfa) inducing self-incompatibility and an inactive form (Sfi) inducing self-compatibility. Their interaction was studied in several hetero/homozygous genotypes (SfiSfa) in order to establish if self-compatibility was dominant as previously suggested. The seedling genotype was determined by PCR amplification of genomic DNA with universal and specific primers and the phenotype by pollen tube growth. The results showed full self-incompatibility of the SfiSfa genotypes as a result of the recognition of any kind of Sf pollen (Sfi or Sfa) by the style, where Sf-RNase was produced due to the presence of the Sfa allele. These results confirm the allelism of the Sf allele with the series of S alleles of self-incompatibility and that a mutation in the stylar part of the Sfa haplotype has led to the self-compatibility of the Sfi form. The recognition of the Sfi pollen by the Sfa style confirms that the presence of the Sfi haplotype does not ensure self-compatibility, and that in these hetero/homozygous genotypes the expression of Sfa is dominant over that of Sfi Published

In the last years, an important renewal of plant material is taking place in apricot, with the introduction of new cultivars from different breeding programs. However, the pollination requirements of many of these cultivars are unknown. In this work, the self-(in)compatibility and the S -alleles have been studied in a group of 40 apricot cultivars. Self-compatibility was determined by the observation of pollen tube growth under the microscope in self-pollinated flowers. The S -allele of each cultivar was identified by PCR analysis Financial support for this research was provided by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO) - European Regional Development Fund, European Union (AGL2012-40239 and AGL2013-43732-R); Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agraria (INIA) (RFP2012-00017-C03, RTA2014-00085-00); Gobierno de Aragón - European Social Fund, European Union (Grupo Consolidado A-43) and by Agroseguro S.A.

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.Los sistemas reproductivos en las plantas se han considerado como mecanismos que promueven los cruzamientos con la finalidad de aumentar la variabilidad genética y evitar la endogamia. Sin embargo se ha observado con frecuencia un reducido éxito reproductor tras cruzamientos entre individuos de diferentes poblaciones, lo que se ha denominado “depresión exogámica” e incluso más raramente entre individuos de la misma población. Se estudió el sistema de cruzamiento de Colutea hispanica mediante la aplicación de polinizaciones manuales en el campo en una población situada en Madrid (España) durante los años 2004 y 2006. Se obtuvieron frutos tanto por autopolinización como por polinización cruzada, sugiriendo que la especie posee un sistema altamente compatible. La alta autocompatibilidad observada podría deberse a una adaptación a condiciones de escasez de polinizadores y de “parejas reproductoras”. El máximo valor de fruit set se alcanzó en los cruzamientos geitonogámicos en ambos años, y en el año 2004 los cruzamientos xenógamos no produjeron ningún fruto. Este último fenómeno parece ser más común entre plantas de lo que en principio se podría pensar, pero ha sido ignorado en la mayor parte de los estudios de biología reproductora.

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. Los sistemas reproductivos en las plantas se han considerado como mecanismos que promueven los cruzamientos con la finalidad de aumentar la variabilidad genética y evitar la endogamia. Sin embargo se ha observado con frecuencia un reducido éxito reproductor tras cruzamientos entre individuos de diferentes poblaciones, lo que se ha denominado “depresión exogámica” e incluso más raramente entre individuos de la misma población. Se estudió el sistema de cruzamiento de Colutea hispanica mediante la aplicación de polinizaciones manuales en el campo en una población situada en Madrid (España) durante los años 2004 y 2006. Se obtuvieron frutos tanto por autopolinización como por polinización cruzada, sugiriendo que la especie posee un sistema altamente compatible. La alta autocompatibilidad observada podría deberse a una adaptación a condiciones de escasez de polinizadores y de “parejas reproductoras”. El máximo valor de fruit set se alcanzó en los cruzamientos geitonogámicos en ambos años, y en el año 2004 los cruzamientos xenógamos no produjeron ningún fruto. Este último fenómeno parece ser más común entre plantas de lo que en principio se podría pensar, pero ha sido ignorado en la mayor parte de los estudios de biología reproductora.

Published

El abstract aparece con el título: S-RNase loss of function in almond is associated with methylation of the Sf locus

Published

Póster

Peach (Prunus persica) as a species is self-compatible (SC), although most other Prunus fruit tree species are partially or fully self-incompatible. We previously identified 3 mutated Shaplotypes, S[1], S[2], and S[2m], that confer self-compatibility on commercial peach cultivars for fruit production. In this report, we identified 2 novel SC S haplotypes, S[3] and S[4], among 130 peach cultivars and strains consisting mainly of ornamental cultivars and wild strains. The S[3]haplotype was found only in ornamental cultivars, while the S[4] haplotype was found mainly in wild strains. S-RNases in the S[3] and S[4] haplotypes appeared to have no defects in their primary structures. S haplotype-specific F-box (SFB) sequences were also present in the Slocus downstream of the S[3]- and S[4]-RNases. These SFB sequences were in a reverse transcriptional orientation as has been reported in most other functional Prunus S haplotypes; however, both SFB[3] and SFB[4] appeared to be mutated. DNA sequencing of the entire downstream region of SFB[3], extending about 12 kbp to the stop codon of S-RNase, revealed the presence of a premature stop codon 975 bp downstream from the SFB[3] start codon. No sequence homologous to SFB downstream of the stop codon was found. There was a 4946 bp insertion in the middle of SFB[4]. The original SFB[4] sequence, obtained by removing the inserted sequence, encodes a typical SFB. Based on the 3 previously identified peach Shaplotypes, we supposed that the S[3] and S[4] haplotypes were also SC pollen part mutant (PPM) S haplotypes. Here, we also discuss possible reasons for all peach S haplotypes identified so far having the PPM SC S haplotype., サクラ属果樹の多くが自家不和合性を示すが, モモは特異的に種全体が自家和合性を示す. 我々はこれまでの研究で, 果実生産用モモの主要栽培品種から 3 種の変異型自家和合性 S ハプロタイプを同定した. 本研究では野生種および観賞用品種を中心に 130 品種・系統を調査し, 新たに 2 つの S ハプロタイプを発見し, S3 および S4 ハプロタイプと命名した. S3 ハプロタイプは観賞用品種にのみ分布し, S4 ハプロタイプは主に野生種を中心に分布することが明らかとなった. これらの S ハプロタイプはいずれも雌ずい S 遺伝子である S-RNase の塩基配列に欠失や挿入は確認できず, 雌ずい側の機能は正常であると推察された. 一方, 花粉 S 遺伝子である SFB にはいずれも変異が存在し, 不完全な SFB がコードされていた. SFB3 はスタートコドンから 975 bp 下流にストップコドンが存在していた. SFB4 は 4946 bp の挿入配列が見いだされ, 挿入配列の内部にストップコドンが存在した. 従って新規に同定された 2 種類の S ハプロタイプは, これまで報告したモモの 3 種類の S ハプロタイプと同様に花粉側の機能を失った自家和合性 S ハプロタイプであると推察された. モモで同定された全ての S ハプロタイプが, 花粉 S 遺伝子に変異の生じた自家和合性 S ハプロタイプであることの理由を考察した.

Food and Agriculture (FA COST Action FA1104: Sustainable production of high-quality cherries for the European market)

La gulupa es la segunda especie en importancia económica del género Passiflora L., ya que se comercializa como fruta fresca y procesada en todos los continentes. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar los mecanismos de polinización natural y asistida para comprender el sistema reproductivo de la gulupa, con el fin de implementar estrategias de premejoramiento genético y de conservación. Un total de 32 accesiones de 10 departamentos colombianos fueron evaluadas bajo cinco tratamientos de polinización natural y asistida en Manizales, Caldas, a 2340 m.s.n.m. Los resultados mostraron que 80% de la antesis en la gulupa ocurre entre 6:00 y 8:00 a.m., predominando las flores que poseen el estilo totalmente curvo (66.4%). Los mayores porcentajes de frutos formados se presentaron en los tratamientos de autopolinización manual y geitonogamia (82 y 86%), seguidos por la polinización cruzada (68%) con diferencias significativas (Duncan, P9 mm/día) tuvo un impacto negativo sobre la polinización y la actividad de los agentes polinizadores. Los frutos de flores polinizadas manualmente y en forma natural presentaron un promedio de 151 a 157 semillas, sin diferencias significativas. Los resultados mostraron que la gulupa es una especie autofértil, que depende de los insectos polinizadores para el flujo génico y la productividad. La capacidad de autocompatibilidad de la gulupa (28 a 86%) permite a los productores conservar la calidad genética de las plantas élite o su uso en programas de mejoramiento genético para la obtención de cultivares de mayor rusticidad y productividad. The purple passion fruit is the second economically most important species of the genus Passiflora L. as it is marketed as fresh and processed fruit in all continents. The objective of this research was to study the mechanism of natural and assisted pollination to understand gulupa reproductive system that enables the implementation of pre-breeding and conservation strategies. A total of 32 accessions from 10 Colombian departments under five pollination treatments (natural and assisted) were evaluated in Manizales, Caldas at 2,340 m.a.s.l. Results show that 80% of the anthesis in purple passion fruit occurred between 6:00 and 8:00 hours, prevailing flowers with fully curved style (66.4%). The highest percentage of fruit formation was found in manual self-pollination and geitonogamy treatments (82 and 86%), and followed by cross-pollination (68%) with significant differences (Duncan, P9 mm/day) generated a negative impact on pollination and on the activity of pollination agents. Fruit from manually and natural pollinated flowers showed an average of 151 to 157 seeds with no significant differences. The results show that the purple passion fruit is an autofertile species that depends on pollinator insects for genetic flow and productivity. The capacity of autocompatibility of the purple passion fruit (28 to 86%) permits producers conserve the genetic quality of elite plants or their use in genetic breeding programs to obtain greater cultivar robusticity and productivity.

[ES]Las Angiospermas han desarrollado diversos sistemas para atraer polinizadores eficientes y al mismo tiempo reducir la posibilidad de autopolinización asociada al hermafroditismo. La capacidad de autopolinización puede ser ventajosa en situaciones de escasez de polinizadores y/o individuos reproductores, beneficios que pueden reducirse ampliamente a causa de la depresión por endogamia. Análisis filogenéticos recientes indicaron que las especies endémicas tienden a presentar sistemas de autocompatibilidad, por tanto es preciso analizar en profundidad los costes y beneficios reproductivos y genéticos asociados a la autocompatibilidad en estas especies. Mediante polinizaciones manuales en condiciones de invernadero se estimaron la capacidad de polinización espontánea, el grado de autocompatibilidad y la magnitud de depresión por endogamia acumulada hasta el primer evento reproductor de la progenie en Erodium cazorlanum, una especie endémica estricta asociada a unos pocos afloramientos dolomíticos en las montañas del SE español. La especie no mostró autonomía en la formación de semillas. Además, el polen de la propia flor aplicado experimentalmente sobre el estigma generó significativamente menos frutos y semillas que el polen de otras flores de la misma planta o de plantas diferentes. El número de semillas por fruto fue significativamente mayor en las polinizaciones cruzadas y la magnitud de depresión por endogamia acumulada a lo largo del ciclo de vida resultó ser muy elevada. Cabe destacar también la amplia variabilidad obtenida en los niveles de autocompatibilidad de las plantas individuales, encontrando incluso que seis de los 14 individuos ensayados no produjeron ninguna semilla por geitonogamia. Investigar el potencial adaptativo de esta variabilidad individual en condiciones naturales resulta clave para entender la dinámica evolutiva de esta especie ahora que sabemos que la depresión por endogamia pue, [EN] Angiosperms evolved different systems to attract effective pollinators while reducing selfing in hermaphroditic flowers. Selfing ability can be advantageous when pollinators and/or mates are scarce, although inbreeding depression may largely reduce those advantages. Recent comparative analyses suggested endemic species tend to evolve self-compatibility but a better understanding of the associated reproductive and genetic tradeoffs is required. Experimental hand-pollinations under greenhouse conditions were conducted to investigate the selfing ability and estimate inbreeding depression up to the offspring’ first reproductive event in Ero dium cazorlanum, a narrow endemic species restricted to dolomite outcrops in SE Spanish mountains. We found autonomous selfing ineffective. Further, when experimentally applied, pollen of the same flower produced significantly fewer fruits and seeds compared to geitonogamous and cross pollinations. The number of seeds per fruit was significantly higher after cross pollinations and strong inbreeding depression accumulated through the life-cycle. Interestingly, individual plants exhibited broad variation in selfing ability with six out of 14 individuals producing no seed after geitonogamy. Understanding the consequences of individual variation in self compatibility deserves further investigation in the field now that we know that strong inbreeding depression may limit recruitment of selfedprogeny