Selection on early survival does not explain germination rate clines in Mimulus cardinalis (Phrymaceae)

Premise Many traits covary with environmental gradients to form phenotypic clines. While local adaptation to the environment can generate phenotypic clines, other nonadaptive processes may also. If local adaptation causes phenotypic clines, then the direction of genotypic selection on traits should shift from one end of the cline to the other. Traditionally genotypic selection on non-Gaussian traits like germination rate have been hampered because it is challenging to measure their genetic variance. Methods Here we used quantitative genetics and reciprocal transplants to test whether a previously discovered cline in germination rate showed additional signatures of adaptation in the scarlet monkeyflower (Mimulus cardinalis). We measured genotypic and population level covariation between germination rate and early survival, a component of fitness. We developed a novel discrete log-normal model to estimate genetic variance in germination rate. Results Contrary to our adaptive hypothesis, we found no evidence that genetic variation in germination rate contributed to variation in early survival. Across populations, southern populations in both gardens germinated earlier and survived more. Conclusions Southern populations have higher early survival but this is not caused by faster germination. This pattern is consistent with nonadaptive forces driving the phenotypic cline in germination rate, but future work will need to assess whether there is selection at other life stages. The statistical framework should help expand quantitative genetic analyses for other waiting-time traits.

GENOTYPIC SELECTION ON RED CHILI PLANTS RESISTANT TO ANTHRACNOSE DISEASE AT M2 GENERATION

Genotypic selection on red chili palnts resistant to anthracnose disease at m2 generation. A superior anthracnose resistant cultivar was sought to overcome the low production due to anthracnose in red chili. For the development of superior cultivars, it was necessary to select genotypes that were resistant to anthracnose. Selection effectiveness was determined by wide diversity and high reliability. The purpose of this study was to see the diversity and heritability of agronomic characters and resistance to anthracnose on chili plants, and to select genotypes that were resistant to anthracnose. This research was conducted with a design without repetition. The plant material used was the seed of the results of gamma ray mutations in generation M2. The results of this study were: the broad diversity of phenotypes found in all characters observed, while all characters of the genotype observed had broad criteria except plant height at flowering and harvest, and at seedling period. The genotype that should be planted in the next generation was genotype number 136. Genotype number 136 was very resistant to anthracnose infection.