Genetic variation in agamospermous microspecies of taraxacum sect. Erythrosperma and sect. obliqua

Abstract

Agamospermous microspecies of Taraxacum have been studied at the isozyme level. T. tortilobum and T. rubicundum (sect. Erythrosperma), both of a fairly broad ecological amplitude, consisted of several clones. In Holland only a few clones occur compared with the situation in Central Europe. By contrast, in T. obliquum (sect. Obliqua), restricted to the outer dune habitat, no genetic variation could be demonstrated at the Dutch sites sampled. As an explanation for genetic polymorphism in agamospermous taxa either inheritance from sexual ancestors or possible facultative agamospermy is discussed. © 1985 The Genetical Society of Great Britain.