Abstract Detail

Biogeography

CRONN, RICHARD [1], Arceo-Gomez, Gerardo [2], CHEN, LUXI [3], LI, JUNMIN [4], Song, Yaobin [5], MING, DONG [6], Liston, Aaron [7], ASHMAN , TIA-LYNN RUTH [8].

Bioclimatic, geographic and taxonomic exploration of achene (seed) size variation in Fragaria (Rosaceae).

Seed size is central to many aspects of plant ecology, and seed size variation has been hypothesized to reflect life history (growth form, dispersal syndrome) and climate-driven diversification. Both of these hypotheses have received support when viewed across all seed plants, at phylogenetic time scales, or across regional floras. However, the drivers of variation within clades – where dispersal syndrome and growth form show limited variation, but where geographic range and climatological adaptation is extensive – have received less attention. At this scale diversification in seed size may be associated with fine scale bioclimatic differences in temperature and precipitation, or light availability. Alternatively, it may be related to variation in other genetic features that play a role in determining the ecological and life-history strategy of the species such as mating system or polyploidy. We test these hypotheses in Fragaria where fruits are single-seeded achenes, ploidy variation is documented, and native geographic ranges span diverse habitats and climates. Our extensive data set (~20 individuals/population; 250 populations, 20 species; three continents) allows us to test the relative contributions of evolutionary history and climatic variation/adaptation on achene size and shape . Preliminary results show significant variation among individuals, populations and species, with local climate as the most significant factor in seed size variation.

Related Links:
http://wildstrawberry.org

1 - Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331-5503
2 - University Of Pittsburgh, Biological Sciences, 4249 Fifth Avenue, 216 Clapp Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
3 - Taizhou University, School of Life Sciences, Taizhou, China
4 - Taizhou University, School of Life Sciences, Taizhou
5 - Hangzhou Normal University, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou , China
6 - Hangzhou Normal University , Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Hangzhou , China
7 - Oregon State University, Department Of Botany & Plant Pathology, 2082 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331-2902, USA, 541/737-5301
8 - University Of Pittsburgh, Department Of Biological Sciences, 4249 Fifth Avenue & Ruskin, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA

Keywords:
Seeds
strawberry
bioclimate
polyploidy
fragaria.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Eyrie/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PBG001
Abstract ID:389
Candidate for Awards:None