Detecting dispersal of Nuphar lutea in river corridors using microsatellite markers

Summary 1. River corridors are well‐known for their role in plant dispersal. The buoyancy of seeds, the possibility of dispersal by vegetative fragments, and the frequency and efficiency of dispersal among different river catchments determine linear distribution patterns. Little is known about the r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Freshwater biology 2008-07, Vol.53 (7), p.1409-1422
Main Authors: FER, Tomaas, HROUDOVA, Zdenka
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Bayesian clustering
Biological and medical sciences
Fresh water ecosystems
Freshwater
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
genetic variation
linear dispersal
Nuphar lutea
seed buoyancy
spatial autocorrelation
Synecology
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Summary:Summary 1. River corridors are well‐known for their role in plant dispersal. The buoyancy of seeds, the possibility of dispersal by vegetative fragments, and the frequency and efficiency of dispersal among different river catchments determine linear distribution patterns. Little is known about the relative importance of these factors to observed patterns of genetic variation. 2. One hundred and fifty‐six Nuphar lutea individuals from forty‐four sampling sites in the river catchments of the Cidlina River, the Mrlina River and the Labe River (Czech Republic) were studied using ten microsatellite markers. Interpretation of patterns in genetic variation allowed several conclusions about dispersal mechanisms. 3. Vegetative long‐distance dispersal is probably very limited in this species. Only one multilocus genotype was found in more than one sampling site. The distance between the sites was about 75 km. 4. To explain the distribution of Bayesian based clusters of related multilocus genotypes, both along‐river and inter‐river long‐distance dispersals have to be invoked. 5. A marginally significant tendency for higher genetic diversity in the lower part of the river Cidlina was detected. Continuous downstream dispersal of seeds by water currents could be a valid explanation. 6. Significant positive autocorrelation was found among individuals at within‐river distances of up to 25 km. Repeated dispersal of seeds over distances in the range of tens of kilometers is common.
ISSN:0046-5070
1365-2427
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2427.2008.01973.x