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Reproductive strategies and genetic structure of wild and naturalised legume populations

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Genetic Resources of Mediterranean Pasture and Forage Legumes

Part of the book series: Current Plant Science and Biotechnology in Agriculture ((PSBA,volume 33))

Abstract

The genetic diversity of legumes in the Mediterranean basin far exceeds that of Australia. The one exception is subterranean clover, where Australian variation approaches that of the Mediterranean. Evidence from weed populations suggests that capacity to outcross is important for the widespread establishment of volunteer species, including pasture legumes. Subterranean clover outcrosses occasionally, and this may be important in producing the genetic variation necessary to cope with environmental variation. Based on pollen/ovule ratios most other naturalised legumes appear to outcross less frequently than subterranean clover.

Mediterranean species employ many reproductive strategies. In high rainfall areas these appear to be substitutable, early flowering, for example, being replaced by high seed dormancy in some species. Reproductive strategies narrow substantially in arid areas, and include high seed dormancy, high seed to pod ratio, restricted dispersal capabilities, low flower abortion and early flowering. Most of these arid-type strategies are also found in widespread species.

The control of germination, both within and between seasons, is a strategy of special significance. The within season pattern of hard seed breakdown is seen to be important in a number of species, including some that are widely naturalised in Australia. This strategy controls germination in summer and early autumn, restricting it to a period when following rains are likely. A slow rate of germination and dormancy at high temperatures may serve similar purposes. Dispersal mechanisms that assist seeds escape or tolerate grazing are also highly desirable traits to which we pay insufficient attention. These include the capacity of small seeds (< 1 mg) to survive ingestion by sheep, and the burial of larger seeds (5–60 mg) at depths where they become unavailable.

It is concluded that we must continue to explore the genetic resources of the Mediterranean basin, especially of species other than subterranean clover and the annual medics. The diversity of species and genotypes available, and the reproductive strategies and genetic variability that they possess, bode well for increasing the range of pasture legumes available to Australian farmers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Agriculture and Co-operative Research Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6907, Australia

    P. S. Cocks

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  1. P. S. Cocks
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Co-operative Research Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA), University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia

    Sarita Jane Bennett

  2. Faculty of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia

    P. S. Cocks

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Cocks, P.S. (1999). Reproductive strategies and genetic structure of wild and naturalised legume populations. In: Bennett, S.J., Cocks, P.S. (eds) Genetic Resources of Mediterranean Pasture and Forage Legumes. Current Plant Science and Biotechnology in Agriculture, vol 33. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4776-7_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4776-7_2

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