POLYMORPHISMS FOR PURELY CYTOPLASMICALLY INHERITED TRAITS IN BISEXUAL PLANTS

Hans-Rolf Gregorius ¹

¹ Abteilung für Forstgenetik, Universität Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, 3400 Göttingen, Federal Republic of Germany

It is shown that cytoplasm polymorphisms transmitted only by the ovules can be maintained without gene-cytoplasmic interactions. The necessary prerequisites are asymmetry of the plasmotypes in production of ovules and pollen (sexual asymmetry), incomplete and frequency-dependent fertilization efficiency and differential selfing rates. These factors can generate the negative frequency dependence of cytoplasmic fitnesses required for a stable polymorphism. The model considered allows also for facultative fixation of either of two plasmotypes and, thus, may produce all of the dynamical characteristics known for nuclear selection with two alleles at one locus.

Strong sexual asymmetry, which probably occurs frequently in bisexual plants, may facilitate stable cytoplasmic polymorphisms. However, these polymorphisms may also endanger survival of the whole population in the absence of nuclear interactions. Gene-cytoplasmic interactions avoid this risk and, at the same time, utilize the advantages of sexual asymmetry in maintaining genetic polymorphisms.