Genetic variability, population structure and reproductive ecology of Anthurium crenatum (L.) Kunth (Araceae) in Puerto Rico.

摘要

Population structure, reproductive ecology, phenology, breeding system, and genetic variability were studied for the Caribbean endemic Anthurium crenatum (L.) Kunth (Araceae) in Puerto Rico. The species showed flowering peaks that correlated with monthly rainfall. Although fruiting occured year round, it was not correlated with precipitation. Based on the reproductive activity in the Mogote "El Costillar" population, three main groups were distinguished (non-flowering, flowers only, and flowers and fruits). Differences in size (average number of leaves and leaf length) among these groups were highly significant.;Genetic variability was assayed in eight populations using 11 scorable loci. Polymorphism was found in 55.6% of the loci surveyed. Mean number of alleles per population was 1.5, and the mean heterozygosity was 0.148. These values are higher when compared to the published data based on other species, considering the species' geographical range (island endemic), life form, and breeding system. Genetic structure analysis using Nei's F