Abstract Detail

Population Genetics/Genomics

Cisternas, Anita [1], Fant, Jeremie [2].

Can pollinators influence levels of inbreeding and expression of inbreeding depression? A comparison of Clarkia breweri and C. concinna (Onagraceae).

Different pollinators guilds vary in behavior, including flight distance and the type of reward, which can influence on how they transfer pollen between individuals and therefore level of inbreeding within a population. Populations pollinated by insects that have a larger flight distance, and do not groom, like hawkmoths, might experience lower inbreeding than compared to populations pollinated by an insect with a shorter flight distance, like bees and flies. Consequently, populations pollinated by hawkmoths might experience less inbreeding depression because they have higher outbreeding and do not experience inbreeding at high enough rates to purged their genetic load. To test this idea, we compared two sister species with contrasting primary pollinators, using both molecular and fitness data. The genus Clarkia (Onagraceae) consists of self-compatible species that vary in primary pollinators. Clarkia breweri for example is pollinated primarily by hawkmoths, while C. concinna subsp. concinna is pollinated by bees and flies. In this work, we used Next-generation sequencing to measure diversity and Wright’s inbreeding coefficient (Fis) for three populations of each species. We also performed control crosses over two generations, including self-pollination, biparental inbreeding, and outcrossing, to estimate inbreeding depression (seed viability, germination, survival and flower number). Preliminary molecular data show that both species have similar levels of genetic diversity and high level of differentiation between populations of the same species. In terms of Fis, C. concinna subsp. concinna has on average a higher inbreeding coefficient (0.18) than Clarkia breweri (0.07). This would indicate that hawkmoth pollinated populations experience less inbreeding compared to bee pollinated populations in this group.

1 - 1009 Davis St. Apt 28, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
2 - Chicago Botanic Gardens, Plant Biology And Conservation , 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL, 60022, United States

Keywords:
Inbreeding
inbreeding depression
population genetics.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 38, Population Genetics and Genomics I
Location: 101/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Wednesday, July 25th, 2018
Time: 8:45 AM
Number: 38004
Abstract ID:196
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award