Date of Award

8-1-1983

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. David Sutherland

Abstract

Morphology and reproduction were studied in two annual taxa of Sporobolus (Poaceae) at eight locations in eastern Nebraska. Estimated percent cleistogamy was 93.2% in S. neglectus and 83.8% in S. vaginiflorus in specimens collected throughout the 1982 growing season. Anthers of cleistogamous florets were smaller in size and lower in number than anthers of chasmogamous florets. Pollen-ovule ratios were significantly lower in cleistogamous than in chasmogamous florets and cleistogamous florets showed precocious development. Agamospermous reproduction may also be present in the taxa. The lack of intermediate forms between the two taxa in the locations studied may be attributable to the high incidence of cleistogamous reproduction.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the Department of Biology and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright 1983 Elvera W. Skokan.

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