An amino acid substitution at position 205 of acetohydroxyacid synthase reduces fitness under optimal light in resistant populations of Solanum ptychanthum.

The Ala205Val substitution in acetohydroxyacid synthase confers herbicide resistance in Solanum ptychanthum, but the effect on fitness is unknown. This study aimed to compare the germination, growth, seed production and competitiveness of resistant (R) and susceptible (S) populations under various light conditions in the field and in a controlled environment. Under optimal light conditions of high irradiance and high red/far-red, the S populations produced more seeds compared with R populations, despite no difference in germination and above-ground vegetative productivity. Any reduction in light intensity and red/far-red diminished the reproductive ability of both R and S populations. This effect was more pronounced for S, so that, under sub-optimal conditions, there were no differences between the two types. Replacement series with three ratios of R:S (16:0, 8:8 and 0:16) showed no competitive difference between the two types. Under optimal light conditions, the S populations always had a higher reproductive output and fitness than the R populations. This would likely cause S individuals to dominate in the absence of herbicide selection pressure, if light competition is reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]