Mating Systems in Open-Pollinated Families of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

1990

S. 35-40

2 Tab., 28 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200051164

The mating system of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) was investigated using six allozyme loci and the multi-locus model of Ritland and Jan (1981). Estimated outcrossing rates averaged 0.83 across 23 seed sources, ranging from 0.46 to 1.12. Variation in outcrossing rates among sources may be due to the local patchiness of allele and genotype frequencies (Wahlund effect) and/or pollinator behavior. The estimates obtained are probably conservative because the sampling scheme employed could artificially induce Wahlund effects. the physical separation of stigmatal and antheral surfaces as well as the protogynous flowering habit encourages outcrossing in black locust. Among seed sources, germination rates were positively correlated with outcrossing rates. Low germination rates may be a manifestation of inbreeding depression in seed families with higher amounts of consanguineous matting.