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Pollen tetrad segregation and pollen ovule ratios in six species of Acrotriche (Styphelioideae: Ericaceae)

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Abstract

Pollen morphology can be useful in the determination of phylogeny and mating systems of plants. Pollen ovule ratios can give an indication of the mating system of plant species, and there are a number of theories as to reductions in response to pollination strategies. Pollen tetrad segregation occurs when a number of pollen grains within a tetrad abort; this process has evolved a number of times in the family Ericaceae. Pollen ovule ratios along with the total number of tetrads, number of viable grains and proportions of each of the tetrad types were investigated in six species of Acrotriche (Styphelioideae: Ericaceae). Pollen ovule ratios were used in comparison with related species to give indications of mating systems and to examine theories regarding reductions in pollen production. The study species can be arranged into distinct groupings based on the proportions of tetrad types that correlate with floral morphology and may be indicative of phylogentic associations.

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Acknowledgments

Many thanks to Dr. Leanne Powell for editing assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia

    Melanie Schneemilch & Michael Kokkinn

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  1. Melanie Schneemilch
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  2. Michael Kokkinn
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Correspondence to Melanie Schneemilch.

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Schneemilch, M., Kokkinn, M. Pollen tetrad segregation and pollen ovule ratios in six species of Acrotriche (Styphelioideae: Ericaceae). Plant Syst Evol 296, 149–156 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-011-0451-1

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