Abstract
Nymphoides indica (Menyanthaceae) is a distylous, aquatic perennial of pantropical distribution. Controlled field pollinations in a Lower Amazon rice field population demonstrated the presence of a strong self- and intramorph-incompatibility system in the 20 individuals tested. The average seed fertility of short-styled individuals was significantly greater than long-styled individuals, although significant variation among individuals within morphs was also evident. Fertility data obtained from experimental crosses are utilized for developing a new method for the estimation of gender in plants. The potential for gender specialization in N. indica populations and its significance to the evolution of dioecy from distyly in the genus Nymphoides is discussed.
Publisher
Canadian Science Publishing