Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Hall, Linda [1], Martin, Sara [2].

Fitness implications of introgression of novel traits from Camelina sativa to C. microcarpa .

Camelia sativa (Camelina) is currently being developed for many potential uses for Canadian agriculture. This includes the development of PNTs with modified oil content for health, herbicide resistance and bioindustrial products. Prior to PNT release environmental risk assessments must consider the potential for weedy hybrids to be produce through cross-pollination with related species. Here we investigated the potential weedy hybrid production resulting from cross-pollination between Camelina and the alien weeds C. alyssum and C. microcarpa. We surveyed the abundance and distribution of Camelina species in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Camelina alyssum may no longer be established in Canada, but populations of two cytotypes of C. microcarpa, tetraploid and hexaploid, and of C. sativa are present. Additionally, diploid C. microcarpa was discovered in gene bank material. We conducted manual pollinations with all three cytotypes of C. microcarpa as the maternal parent and C. sativa as the pollen donor. Hybridization rates between diploid (<0.03%) and tetraploid (0.06%) C. microcarpa were low. However, the hybridization rate between C. microcarpa hexaploids and Camelina was nearly perfect (96%). In greenhouse fitness tests, hybrids showed low pollen viability and produced lower amounts viable seed than the parental species. In the field, hybrids were also less fit, showing reduced plant biomass, seed number and seed size. We conclude that when the species come into contact, hybrids may be produced but fitness barriers may slow hybrids population growth and establishment.

1 - University of Alberta, ARNS, 410 AgForestry, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Canada
2 - AAFC (Ottawa), Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ONT, K1A 0C6, Canada

Keywords:
camelina
Fitness
hybridization.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 49
Location: Salon 4/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
Time: 3:30 PM
Number: 49008
Abstract ID:688
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award