A methodological problem in genecology. Seeds versus clones as source material for uniform gardens

Abstract

Plants derived from both achenes and rootstock cuttings (ramets) were used to examine genetically based differences between two populations of Rumex crispus L. from two contrasting habitats, i.e., flood plain and pasture. Offspring from both sources were grown under cultivation in a uniform garden. Fifty-eight characters were determined for each individual. Within the pasture population only, seedling offspring differed significantly from plants obtained from ramets. Characteristics of the two populations were compared using (i) seedling offspring and (ii) ramets. More significant differences were found in the former set of comparisons.In the harsh but predictable flood plain habitat, genetic heterogeneity within the population was less than that found among plants from the pasture. Reasons for this difference are discussed.