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Mating system in rye: variability in relation to the population and plant density
F Vaquero1, F J Vences, P García
1Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de León, Spain.
Heredity
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Outcrossing rates in rye (Secale cereale L.) populations varied, with self-pollination leading to excess homozygotes. Lower plant density weakened self-incompatibility, reducing outcrossing.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Population genetics
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Rye (Secale cereale L.) is an important cereal crop.
- Understanding outcrossing rates is crucial for breeding programs and genetic diversity.
- Self-incompatibility is a key mechanism influencing plant reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the amount of outcrossing in seven rye populations.
- To investigate the impact of plant density on self-incompatibility and outcrossing rates.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme loci assays were used to estimate outcrossing.
- Seven enzyme loci were analyzed across seven distinct rye populations.
- Outcrossing estimates were compared between low and high plant densities.
Main Results:
- Single-locus outcrossing estimates varied significantly (0.716–0.946).
- Multilocus outcrossing estimates ranged from 0.701 to 0.910.
- Lower plant density resulted in significantly lower outcrossing rates, indicating weakened self-incompatibility.
Conclusions:
- Rye populations exhibit a degree of self-pollination.
- Selfing leads to an excess of homozygotes compared to random mating expectations.
- Plant density is a critical environmental factor affecting rye's self-incompatibility system and reproductive success.