Evolutionary and Functional Analysis of Variation in Pollen Traits for the Common Morning Glory, Ipomoea Purpurea

University Of Georgia Research Foundation Inc, Athens GA

Investigators

Abstract

Most plants are capable of reproducing through both male (pollen) and female (seed) functions. The reproductive success, or fitness, of individuals in natural populations is determined by variation in both the male and female components of reproduction. Biologists know a lot about variation in female fitness but very little is known about male fitness or what can cause male fitness to vary. The goal of this project is to study variation in male reproductive success by examining the number and size of pollen produced by plants, two traits that are closely related to male reproductive success. This project will use a mechanistic approach to examine the relative success of plants that produce a few, large pollen grains versus those that produce many, small grains using the common morning glory as a model system. The results of this study will help to fill the gap in our knowledge on what causes variation in male fitness and will ultimately improve our understanding of what causes variation in fitness in natural populations of plants in general. Results from this project have the potential to go beyond the basic biology of plants. For example, improving our understanding about the correlation between pollen traits and general plant vigor will allow us to improve on selective breeding practices in agriculture, enabling the development of enhanced breeding programs. This project will also train graduate and undergraduate students who will learn experimental techniques and statistical analyses.