Investigating Skewed Floral Morph Ratios in Mitchella repens Through the Assessment of Germination Rates and Seedling Viability

Presenter: Daisy R. Arciniega

Group Members: Oliver A. Weiland, Connor Walazek

Faculty Sponsor: Aleel K. Grennan

School: Worcester State University

Research Area: Biology

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Auditorium, A53

ABSTRACT

Mitchella repens (partridgeberry) is a heterostylous plant that produces two genetically distinct floral morphs, known as pins and thrums. Successful reproduction requires reciprocal pollination between these two morphs, resulting in a theoretical 1:1 ratio of offspring. However, populations surveyed in Worcester County show consistent deviations from expectations, with ratios of pins to thrums of approximately 4:6 or 3:7. Two possible explanations for the skewed ratios are lower germination success of pin seeds compared to thrum seeds and/or decreased viability of pin seedlings following germination. To test this, seed germination and seedling viability were tested on berries collected from the field. Total DNA was isolated from berry flesh to determine if it was from a pin or thrum plant.