Abstract Detail

Hybrids and Hybridization

Gehring, Janet [1], Voelker, Vanessa [1].

Leaf size and seed mass are correlated in hybrids of Gentiana flavida and G. puberulenta.

Hybridization has long been considered to be an important source of phenotypic diversity. Movement of genes between species (introgression) can increase phenotypic diversity either because alleles are expressed in a different genetic background or because alleles are combined in new ways. However, the expression of novel trait combinations, and therefore the response to selection, can be limited by genetic correlations between traits. Our study focused on seed mass and leaf traits in hybrids of Gentiana puberulenta and G. flavida. Gentiana puberulenta has smaller seeds as well as smaller, thicker leaves compared to G. flavida. Previous investigations of G. puberulenta have revealed a strong phenotypic correlation between seed mass and leaf size. Based on this previous work, we hypothesized the expression of novel trait combinations would be limited in hybrids of Gentiana puberulenta and G. flavida. We collected seeds from a hybrid swarm, determined seed mass and compared leaf traits of gentian seedlings grown at two different light levels, initially in a growth chamber and then in a greenhouse. Our data showed leaf size (both leaf length and width) was not significantly affected by light availability but was positively correlated with seed mass. In contrast, specific leaf area was strongly affected by light and independent of seed mass. We conclude that phenotypic correlations between traits in parental species were retained in hybrid individuals, potentially limiting the evolution of novel phenotypes in this hybrid swarm.

Broader Impacts:

1 - BRADLEY UNIVERSTIY, Department of Biology, 1501 W. Bradley Avenue, PEORIA, IL, 61625, USA

Keywords:
hybridization
Seed mass
leaf size
specific leaf area
phenotypic diversity.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PHB003
Abstract ID:773
Candidate for Awards:None