Extensions of models for the estimation of mating systems using n independent loci

Abstract

Inferences about plant mating systems increasingly use highly informative genetic markers, and investigate finer facets of the mating system. Here, four extensions of models for the estimation mating systems are described. (1) Multiallelic probabilities for the mixed selfing-random mating model are given; these are especially suitable for microsatellites; a generalized Kronecker operator is basis of this formula. (2) Multilocus probabilities for the 'correlated-matings model' are given; interestingly, comparisons between single-vs multilocus estimates of correlated-paternity can provide a new measure of population substructure. (3) A measure of biparental inbreeding, the 'correlation of selfing among loci', is shown to approximate the fraction of selfing due to uniparental (as opposed to biparental) inbreeding; also joint estimation of 1- 2- and 3-locus selfing rates allow separation, under a simple model, of the frequency vs the magnitude of biparental inbreeding. (4) Method-of-moments estimators for individual outcrossing rates are given. Formulae are given for both gymnosperms and angiosperms, and the computer program 'MLTR' implements these methods.