Genetic Structure of the Carnivorous Plant Pinguicula moranensis (Lentibulariaceae) on the Transvolcanic Mexican Belt

Abstract

Most species of Pinguicula present a montane distribution with populations located at high altitudes. In this context, we proposed that populations of Pinguicula species could be genetically differentiated even at a local scale. This study supported that prediction, as a RAPD-based analysis of molecular variance revealed a high degree of genetic structure (Φ (st) = 0.157, P = 0.001) and low gene flow (Nm = 1.0) among four central populations of Pinguicula moranensis in Mexico, with a maximum geographic separation of about 140 km. The four populations also exhibited high levels of genetic diversity (mean Nei's genetic diversity = 0.3716; % polymorphism = 95.45%). The evolutionary implications of the genetic structure found in P. moranensis for other species in the genus are discussed in the context of the naturally fragmented distribution and a set of life history traits shared by most Pinguicula species that could promote geographic isolation and limited gene flow.

Reproductive ecology of the carnivorous plant Pinguicula moranensis (Lentibulariaceae)

“…We studied several components of the interaction between P. moranensis and its pollinators in order to contribute to knowledge of the reproductive ecology of carnivorous plants. Given the pattern of genetic variation observed in P. moranensis , which is compatible with that expected for outcrossed species (Alcalá & Domínguez ), we predicted that P. moranensis would perform as a cross‐pollinated species. The evidence found supported this prediction; however, we mainly discuss implications of the patchy distribution of these plants and behaviour of pollinators for gene movement in this species.…”

“…). The pattern in which genetic variation is partitioned in P. moranensis (Alcalá & Domínguez ) corresponds to that expected from a predominantly outcrossed species (Nybom ). The reproductive organs are located at the flower throat and, while stamens and style are thick and short, the two functional anthers are located just below ( ca .…”

“…Based on the fact that most of the genetic variation ( ca . 85%) is retained within populations (Alcalá & Domínguez ) and the position of the stigma extends beyond the anthers (Fig. C), P. moranensis should perform as a cross‐pollinated species.…”

Reproductive ecology of three rareNorthAmericanPinguiculaspecies

“…Prolonged periods of flower longevity also have been reported for other Pinguicula species (Molau ; García et al . ; Zamora ; Alcalá & Domínguez ). It is possible that the flower longevity noted in our study could be a reproductive strategy to increase pollinator visitation and fertilization of ovules (i.e.…”

“…Flower longevity also was assessed for each of the three Pinguicula species, as several studies have reported flower longevity for other Pinguicula species (Molau 1993;García et al 1994;Zamora 1999;Alcalá & Domínguez 2012). In addition, in 2013 and 2014 it was noted that a corolla would fall from the plant a few days after it was successfully hand-pollinated.…”