| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section / ASPT Nepal, Madhav P. [1], Ferguson, Carolyn [1], Mayfield, Mark H. [1]. Systematics and reproductive biology of the genus Morus L. (Moraceae). MORUS is a geographically widespread genus that presents interesting questions related to taxonomy, phylogeny, breeding systems and interspecific hybridization. An overview of the taxa, their distribution and taxonomy is presented for the 14 species we recognize at present. Preliminary phylogenic data (based on the ITS region of the nrDNA and cpDNA trn intergenic spacers) suggests a strong geographical pattern to relationships generally, with the Asian species forming a monophyletic group. The reproductive biology of two Morus species that co-occur in the Great Plains, the native North American M. rubra and the exotic invasive M. alba, is also under investigation. Individuals of both species are typically dioecious, although bisexual (monoecious) individuals are present in populations of both species (at approximately 20%). Moreover, sex ratios among the dioecious plants are strongly male-biased for both species. Putative hybridization between these two species (which are not sister species) is under investigation at Konza Prairie Biological Station (Kansas; an NSF-LTER site) using RAPD markers.
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1 - Kansas State University, Herbarium and Division of Biology, Ackert Hall, Manhattan, Kansas, 66506-4901, USA
Keywords:
Morus
phylogeny
biogeography
breeding system.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: 48-181
Location: Auditorium/Bell Memorial Union
Date: Tuesday, August 1st, 2006
Time: 12:30 PM
Abstract ID:597 |
