The pollinator spectrum, diversity of flower colour, natural pollination and fruit set levels were examined in Scottish <i>L. borealis </i>patches. Flowers were visited by a diverse spectrum of insect pollinators but, despite high natural pollination levels, fruit set was very low in the majority of patches examined. The breeding system of <i>L. borealis </i>was confirmed as highly self-incompatible and limited compatible mate availability was identified as the cause of reproductive failure. Due to the limited pollen dispersal capabilities of flies which dominate the pollinator spectrum, isolation from pollen exchange between compatible mates began at very short distances. A diversity of compatible mates situated within close proximity (<6 m) was shown to be the key requirement for high natural fruiting success in <i>L. borealis. </i>Cross-pollination between neighbouring <i>L. borealis </i>patches resulted in high fruiting success suggesting that transplantation of compatible mates into isolated patches could restore their reproductive success. Natural pollination levels were generally high on Colonsay and a very low, but consistent, level of capsule and seed set was recorded in most years. Capsules produced by Colonsay plants contained very low quantities of seed (<100/capsule) and high numbers of empty testa, and seed set was extremely low (<1%). Severe reproductive failure was evident and the cause was attributed to self-incompatibility and/or inbreeding depression. Seed set was also very low for all of the crosses made within Scotland, even between the two distinct genetic groups. The high levels of seed set achieved following crossing of Scottish and North American plants suggest that restoration of reproductive success in Scotland may require the introduction of some North American genes.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:509133 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Scobie, Andrew Rutherford |
| Publisher | University of Aberdeen |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=59437 |
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