Distinct Reproductive Strategy of Two Endemic Amazonian Quillworts

Distinct Reproductive Strategy of Two Endemic Amazonian Quillworts

We examined the reproductive strategy of two Amazonian quillworts (Isoëtes cangae and Isoëtes serracarajensis), endemic and threatened species of canga ecosystems. Sexual propagation was examined by in vitro fertilization assays, while asexual propagation was examined by tiller emission. Isoëtes can...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Diversity (Basel) Vol. 13; no. 8; p. 348
Main Authors: Caldeira, Cecilio F., Lopes, Arthur V. S., Aguiar, Keyvilla C., Ferreira, Aline L., Araujo, João V. S., Gomes, Vinnícius M. S., Zandonadi, Daniel B., Abranches, Cinthia B., Ramos, Silvio J., Gastauer, Markus, Campos, Naiara V., Gestinari, Lísia M. S., Prado, Luis A., Santos, Fernando M. G., Martins, Rodrigo L., Esteves, Francisco A., Oliveira, Guilherme, Santos, Mirella P.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-08-2021
Subjects:
Asexuality
canga
Carajás
conservation
Cross-fertilization
Drought
Endemic species
Environmental changes
Experiments
Genetic diversity
Genetic testing
Germination
In vitro fertilization
Intermittent lakes
Isoëtes
Oligotrophic lakes
Plant growth
Plant propagation
Propagation
Reproductive strategy
Sporangia
Spore germination
Sporophytes
Survival
Threatened species
Wildlife conservation
United Kingdom > UK
Brazil
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Summary:We examined the reproductive strategy of two Amazonian quillworts (Isoëtes cangae and Isoëtes serracarajensis), endemic and threatened species of canga ecosystems. Sexual propagation was examined by in vitro fertilization assays, while asexual propagation was examined by tiller emission. Isoëtes cangae is an outcrossing species that reproduces exclusively by spore germination and is able to propagate by self- and cross-fertilization. Isoëtes serracarajensis reproduces asexually by emitting tillers from the plant corm, despite producing male and female sporangia. These distinct reproductive strategies in the different species may be linked to their contrasting habitats. Isoëtes cangae inhabit a permanent oligotrophic lake with mild environmental changes, while I. serracarajensis are found in temporary ponds facing severe seasonal drought, where asexual propagation may represent an adaptive advantage to the short growth period during access to water. We also observed different relationships between plant growth and reproductive traits between the species, despite their common production of sporophytes with high survival rates. Together, these results are of paramount importance for establishing conservation plans for both species considering the advantages of sexual propagation to maintain the genetic diversity of I. cangae and the diligent management required to do the same with asexually propagated I. serracarajensis.
ISSN:1424-2818
1424-2818
DOI:10.3390/d13080348