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Seasonal differentiation — a conservative reproductive barrier in two grasslandGentianella (Gentianaceae) species

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Abstract

18 populations of the grassland biennialsGentianella amarella andG. campestris were cultivated to clarify the genetical vs. environmental components of the flowering phenology, and the reproductive isolation caused by seasonal differentiation. The influence of some environmental factors was tested. The seasonal variation persisted in cultivation, and the plants could normally be assigned to distinct aestival or autumnal groups, with no reproductive contact. Flowering phenology was affected by environmental factors, but not to such an extent that the reproductive isolation was broken. The observed phenological variation was not reflected by a corresponding variation in present management practices. Management history and possible non-anthropogenic factors are discussed as alternative explanations.

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    Tommy Lennartsson

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Lennartsson, T. Seasonal differentiation — a conservative reproductive barrier in two grasslandGentianella (Gentianaceae) species. Pl Syst Evol 208, 45–69 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986082

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