Plastic breeding system response to day length in the California wildflower Mimulus douglasii.

Plastic breeding system response to day length in the California wildflower Mimulus douglasii.
Authors: 
Barnett LL, Troth A, Willis JH
Summary
Publication Date
2018 04
Abstract

PREMISE OF THE STUDY
Angiosperms have evolved multiple breeding systems that allow reproductive success under varied conditions. Striking among these are cleistogamous breeding systems, where individuals can produce alternative flower types specialized for distinct mating strategies. Cleistogamy is thought to be environmentally-dependent, but little is known about environmental triggers. If production of alternate flowers is environmentally induced, populations may evolve locally adapted responses. Mimulus douglasii, exhibits a cleistogamous breeding system, and ranges across temperature and day-length gradients, providing an ideal system to investigate environmental parameters that control cleistogamy.

METHODS
We compared flowering responses across Mimulus douglasii population accessions that produce distinct outcrossing and self-pollinating flower morphs. Under controlled conditions, we determined time to flower, and number and type of flowers produced under different temperatures and day lengths.

KEY RESULTS
Temperature and day length both affect onset of flowering. Long days shift flower type from predominantly chasmogamous to cleistogamous. The strength of the response to day length varies across accessions whether temperature varies or is held constant.

CONCLUSIONS
Cleistogamy is an environmentally sensitive polyphenism in Mimulus douglasii, allowing transition from one mating strategy to another. Longer days induce flowering and production of cleistogamous flowers. Shorter days induce chasmogamous flowers. Population origin has a small effect on response to environmental cues.

Publication Type
Journal Article
DOI
10.1002/ajb2.1063
Citation
Barnett LL, Troth A, Willis JH. Plastic breeding system response to day length in the California wildflower Mimulus douglasii.. American journal of botany. 2018 04; 105(4):779-787.
Series Name: 
American journal of botany
Page Numbers: 
779-787
Publisher: