2026/02/18 by Raelene M. Crandall, Carolina Baruzzi, Jennifer M. Fill +1 · 2 voices
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Plant Reproductive Biology #Plant Taxonomy and Phylogenetics #Plant and animal studies
paper · doi:10.1093/aobpla/plag012
openalex publication_date 2026/02/18 · openalex created_date 2026/02/19 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
) is pollen-limited and self-compatible in two southeastern US pine savannas differing in ecology and fire frequency. Pollen limitation and self-compatibility were assessed by comparing seed set and germination from naturally pollinated inflorescences, those supplemented with outcross pollen, and those restricted to self-pollen. All treatments produced seeds, but filled and germinable seed numbers varied by site. The wetter, triennially burned site produced significantly more germinable seeds than the drier, annually burned site. Pollen was not limiting: open and outcross-supplemented inflorescences produced similar seed numbers within each site. Based on seed production, wiregrass appeared capable of self-fertilization, but germination data revealed near-zero viability of selfed seeds, indicating severe inbreeding depression rather than true self-incompatibility. Thus, wiregrass is not pollen-limited but exhibits strong embryonic inbreeding depression, implying an obligate outcrossing mating system. This helps explain why wiregrass often produces few viable seeds despite high seed production. Our findings highlight the importance of including germination data in reproductive studies, as seed production alone can mask other biological constraints. For wiregrass, frequent fires likely promote pollen movement and successful outcrossing. These insights inform restoration efforts by clarifying reproductive limitations in a foundational pine savanna species. This has important implications for restoration efforts, particularly in sourcing and evaluating seed material for ecological resilience and long-term establishment.