INVESTIGADORES
SOUTO cintia Paola
artículos
Título:
Genetic divergence between natural populations of Alstroemeria aurea D. Don (amancay).
Autor/es:
SOUTO, C. P.; PREMOLI, A.C.
Revista:
Botanical Bulletin of Academia Sinica
Referencias:
Año: 2003 vol. 44 p. 329 - 336
Resumen:
Alstroemeria aurea is a perennial herb with clonal rhizomatous growth, insect pollination, and ballistic
seed dispersal that inhabits a range of different environments in the southern Andes. We evaluated the hypothesis
that differential selective pressures act together with restricted among-population gene flow result in genetically divergent
populations of A. aurea. Study sites were located within Nahuel Huapi National Park (41°8S, 71°19O) at
two mountain ranges and two different elevations. These were Chall Huaco Valley, a pristine site, with populations
at 1,250 and 1,100 m. a.s.l., respectively, and Cerro Otto, a disturbed site, with populations at 1250 and 950 m. a.
s.l., respectively. Seeds at each of the four populations were harvested from 20, 1 × 1 m plots. These seeds were
counted, weighed, and germinated after a cold and humid stratification for 4 months. Within- and between-mountain
ranges differences in seed traits were evaluated by ANOVA. We genetically characterized 30 plants of each population
by allozyme electrophoresis and estimated levels of genetic variation and divergence. Seed traits showed different
responses to elevation and site conditions. Total number of seeds was greater at low-elevation populations even
though they had a higher number of undeveloped seeds. Reduced seed yield at high-elevation populations may result
from a short growing season at higher altitudes. Additionally, seed weight, germination rates, and early vegetative
spread were significantly greater at Otto, which may suggest a selective strategy to colonize disturbed sites under
favorable physical conditions. These between-site differences were supported by allozyme data. High genetic
divergence, and thus low gene flow, was estimated among Otto and Chall Huaco whereas within each mountain range
among-population divergence depended upon site characteristics. Higher gene flow rates were found in the disturbed
site Otto. Our results indicate that restricted pollen and seed dispersal, together with selective forces acting in different
habitats, may produce genetic differentiation in populations of A. aurea.