botanyoneClonal spread influences genetic structure and diversity in plant populations as well as their realized outcrossing rate. Using microsatellite markers, Somme et al. investigate genetic diversity and the effect of clone distribution, structure and size on the mating of bee-pollinated marsh cinquefoil, Comarum palustre (Rosaceae), which is a rare, self-compatible species that grows in endangered European wetlands.
They find that clones are spatially clumped, with intermediate to no intermingling of the ramets, and large clones show lower outcrossing rates than small clones. Pollen dispersal mainly occurs within patches with very few pollination events occurring between patches of more than 25 m separation.These factors need to be taken into account in management strategies for ensuring population persistence.
