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Inbreeding depression and heterosis in a subdivided population: influence of the mating system

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 November 2002

KONSTANTINOS THEODOROU
Affiliation:
CRBPO, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 55, rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
DENIS COUVET
Affiliation:
CRBPO, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 55, rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France

Abstract

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We investigate the joint effects of gene flow and selfing on the level of inbreeding depression, heterosis and genetic load in a subdivided population at equilibrium. Low gene flow reduces inbreeding depression and substantially increases heterosis. However, in highly self-fertilizing populations, inbreeding depression is independent of the amount of gene flow. When migration occurs via pollen, consanguinity of the reproductive system could have a negative influence on subpopulation persistence, in contrast to the case of isolated populations. However, with only seed migration, genetic load and heterosis depend mildly on the mating system. From an evolutionary point of view, we reach two main conclusions: first, outcrossing is selected for if gene flow is low; second, intermediate levels of gene flow could promote mixed mating systems, especially when migration occurs through pollen.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2002 Cambridge University Press