Genetic variability in moss populations
Informations
- Funding country
Hungary- Acronym
- -
- URL
- -
- Start date
- 4/1/2004
- End date
- 12/31/2007
- Budget
- 20,410 EUR
Fundings
| Name | Role | Start | End | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thematic Programme | Grant | 4/1/2004 | 12/31/2007 | 20,410 EUR |
Abstract
The project includes three main research areas in bryology. First, the constancy of crucial characters used in identification of the Rurales sectio of the Tortula genus will be investigated in several spatial scales. Genetic composition of Tortula clumps will be analysed in order to reveal the relationship between genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic variation. Scaling of characters will be achieved using SEM-analyses. The research includes experimental investigation on the ecology of the taxons too. The aim of the second analysis is to investigate genetic polymorphism and life-history of the common moss Phascum cuspidatum. Presence of formerly hypothesized spore dormancy will be tested. On the basis of this species, the possible role of the bryophyte diaspore bank as a 'genetic memory' will be determined. The last analysis investigates the substrate dependence of the reproductive characteristics of the often epiphytic, common Hypnum cupressiforme. Besides determining sex ratios of natural populations of the species, fertilization distances and clonal structure of populations occurring on different substrates will also be analysed. All parts of the project cover poorly understood parts of bryology, and will provide many new results which will possibly contribute to effective protection of endangered species.