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Mating-system evolution: rise of the irresistible males

John R Pannell1, Grazyna Korbecka

  • 1Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK. john.pannell@plants.ox.ac.uk

Current Biology : CB
|June 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Researchers discovered an unusual self-incompatibility system in a Mediterranean shrub, explaining the frequent co-occurrence of males and hermaphrodites. This finding resolves a long-standing puzzle in mating-system models.

Area of Science:

  • Plant reproductive biology
  • Evolutionary ecology
  • Population genetics

Background:

  • Mating-system models traditionally face challenges explaining observed sex ratios in certain plant populations.
  • The high frequency of males alongside hermaphrodites in a common Mediterranean shrub has been a persistent anomaly.
  • Previous models failed to adequately address the ecological and genetic factors driving this phenomenon.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the reproductive biology of a Mediterranean shrub exhibiting an unusual sex distribution.
  • To identify the underlying genetic or ecological mechanisms responsible for the co-occurrence of males and hermaphrodites.
  • To reconcile the observed mating patterns with existing evolutionary theories.

Main Methods:

  • Field observations of plant populations and mating behaviors.
  • Genetic analysis to determine relatedness and mating success.
  • Analysis of the plant's self-incompatibility system.

Main Results:

  • The study identified a novel and unusual self-incompatibility system within the studied shrub species.
  • This self-incompatibility system provides a direct explanation for the observed high frequency of males with hermaphrodites.
  • The findings offer a resolution to the previously unexplained mating patterns.

Conclusions:

  • The discovery of the unique self-incompatibility system resolves a significant puzzle in plant mating-system evolution.
  • This finding offers a new perspective on the diversity of reproductive strategies in plants.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering specific genetic mechanisms in understanding population structures.

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