Reproductive Biology of Astragalus argaeus (Fabaceae), a critically endangered endemic species.

Bayram Atasagun,İsmai̇l Bayram Güllü,Ahmet Aksoy,Sevi̇l Albayrak

doi:10.1590/0001-3765202120201613

Bayram Atasagun, İsmai̇l Bayram Güllü + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202120201613

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Abstract

Astragalus argaeus is an endemic plant species that is under critical risk of extinction. Here we investigated its population census, breeding system and reproductive success to determine the main factors affecting restricted distribution of this species. According to the results from pollination experiments, A. argaeus was autogamous but benefit from the cross pollination (xenogamous) and the presence of pollinators increases fruit set. The pollen/ovule ratio of A. argaeus was calculated as 3119,which correspond to facultative xenogamy. Reproduction biology data obtained by both methods are quite compatible with each other. Pollen viability and stigma receptivity data showed that both stigma receptivity and pollen viability were high and was no temporal isolation throughout the anthesis. Seed viability of A. argaues was determined as 52%. The low reproductive success of the species could be attributed to low seed viability and germination rates, small population size and variations in season and climate.

Highlights

The breeding system is especially important in flowering plants, since it represents the only opportunity to move between specific populations by pollen and seed distribution during the life cycle for genes (Levin & Kerster 1974)
Population differentiation caused by natural selection or genetic drift can be reduced by high gene flow which can increase effective population size (Slatkin 1985)
Variations in gene flows of plant species (Nm) and genetic differentiation estimates generally reflect the differences in pollination and mating systems (Govindaraju 1988)

Summary

Introduction

The breeding system is especially important in flowering plants, since it represents the only opportunity to move between specific populations by pollen and seed distribution during the life cycle for genes (Levin & Kerster 1974). Breeding plays an essential role in finding out the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics within and between populations. Population differentiation caused by natural selection or genetic drift can be reduced by high gene flow which can increase effective population size (Slatkin 1985). Variations in gene flows of plant species (Nm) and genetic differentiation estimates generally reflect the differences in pollination and mating systems (Govindaraju 1988). Detailed information about the reproductive biology and population genetics of endangered plant taxa is necessary for development of effective conservation strategies (Allphin et al 2005)

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