Serological estimation of the level of cross-fertilization in the monoecious liverwort Pellia epiphylla n = 9

Abstract

Using protein antigens as markers, antigenic differentiation of progenies obtained from individual sporangia was examined. The experiments were expected to permit estimation of cross-fertilization frequency in the monoecious liverwort species, Pellia epiphylla, n = 9. The results obtained indicated segregation into two serological types, i.e. pointed to cross-fertilization, in approximately, 80% progenies. In correlation with electrophoretic studies, employing two peroxidase alleles and two shikimic acid dehydrogenase alleles as markers, the result made possible the establishment of cross-fertilization frequency at approximately 93% The data may indicate an absence of self-fertilization in this liverwort species and, thus, self-incompatibility. This may be included among the facors responsible for maintenance of genetic variability in populations of this species, in which haplophase is the prevalent phase of its life-cycle.

Keywords

• cross-fertilization
• monoecious liverworts
• antigenic markers
• genetic variability