Mating system of Racosperma auriculiforme in a seed production area in Zaire.

Abstract

Analysis of the mating system of Racosperma auriculiforme (syn. Acacia auriculiformis) in 4 sexually-mature stands in a seed production area in Zaire was conducted using a mixed mating model at five polymorphic loci (Est-2, Est-3, G6p-dh, Nadhdh-2, Pgm-1). Single-locus estimates of outcrossing rate varied widely (between 0.615 and 1.204) and were significantly heterogeneous among and within the stands. Weighted means of single-locus estimates of outcrossing rates (t_s) ranged from 0.859 to 1.032 while multilocus estimates of outcrossing rates (t_m) ranged from 0.863 to 1.059. Comparisons between the single-locus estimates and the multilocus estimates of outcrossing rates indicated that most of the inbreeding detected was due to consanguineous (sibling) matings rather than selfing. Comparisons of observed and expected inbreeding coefficients indicated a general deficit of heterozygotes over the frequencies expected from random mating in the single stands and the pooled stands. Locus to locus variation in outcrossing rates suggested that violation of the mixed mating model might have occurred. Implications for seed production, collection, and distribution for reforestation are discussed.