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Mating System Evolution

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In the past we have addressed the role of inbreeding depression and its genetic basis in the evolution of plant mating systems in the model system, Mimulus. We have shown that inbreeding depression for both the selfing, Mimulus micranthus, and mixed-mating taxa, Mimulus guttatu, is dominance based. Additionally maternal families vary in their response to serial inbreeding, thus purging of the genetic load is possible following environmental conditions that promote self-matings or biparental inbreeding.

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Relevant articles: 
Murren, C.J. and M.R. Dudash. 2012. Variation in inbreeding depression and plasticity across native and non-native field environments. Annals of Botany 109: 621–632.

Dudash, M.R., C. Hassler, P. Stevens, and C.B. Fenster. 2011. Experimental floral and inflorescence trait manipulations affect pollinator preference and function in a hummingbird pollinated plant. American Journal of Botany 98: 275-282.

Burd, M., T-L Ashman, T.L., D.R. Campbell, M. R. Dudash, M. O. Johnston, T.M. Knight, S. J. Mazer, R. J. Mitchell, J. A. Steets, and J. C. Vamosi. 2009. Ovule number per flower in a world of unpredictable pollination. American Journal of Botany 96: 1159-1167.   

 Dudash, M. R. and C. J. Murren. 2008. The influence of breeding systems and mating systems on conservation genetics and conservation decisions. In Conservation Biology: Evolution in Action edited by S. C. Carroll and C. W. Fox., pp. 68-80, Oxford University Press, UK.

 Knight, T. Tiffany M. Knight, J. A. Steets, J. C. Vamosi, S. J. Mazer, M.  Burd, D. R. Campbell, M. R. Dudash, M. O. Johnston, R. J. Mitchell, and T-L.   Ashman. 2005. Pollen Limitation of Plant Reproduction: Pattern and Process. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics36: 467- 497.

Ashman T-L, T. M. Knight, J. Steets, P. Amarasekare, M. Burd, D. R. Campbell, M. R. Dudash, M. O. Johnston, S. J. Mazer, R. J. Mitchell, M. T. Morgan, and W. G. Willson. 2004. Pollen limitation of plant reproduction: ecologial and evolutionary causes and consequences. Ecology 85: 2408-2421.

Carr, D.E., and M.R. Dudash. 2003. Recent approaches into the genetic basis of inbreeding depression in plants.  Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B. 358: 1071-1084.

Dudash, M. R. and D. E. Carr. 1998. Genetics underlying inbreeding depression in Mimulus  with contrasting mating systems. Nature 393: 682-68.

Carr, D. E. and M. R. Dudash. 1997. The effects of five generations of enforced selfing on potential male and female function in Mimulus guttatu. Evolution 51: 1795-1805.

Carr, D. E., C. B. Fenster, and M. R. Dudash. 1997. The relationship between mating-system characters and inbreeding depression in Mimulus guttatus. Evolution 51: 363-372.

Dudash, M. R., D. E. Carr, and C. B. Fenster. 1997. Five generations of enforced selfing and outcrossing in Mimulus guttatus: inbreeding depression variation at the population and family level.Evolution 51: 54-65.

Carr, D. E. and M. R. Dudash. 1996. Inbreeding depression in two species of Mimulus (Scrophulariaceae) with contrasting mating systems. American Journal of Botany 83: 586-593.

Carr, D. E. and M. R. Dudash. 1995. Inbreeding depression under a competitive regime in Mimulus guttatus: consequences for potential male and female function. Heredity 75: 437-445.

ABOUT ME

WELCOME! I am a Professor and Head of the Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University.

I am also Professor Emeritus at University of Maryland College Park in the Department of Biology. 

This is an Unofficial Website, which does not represent official views or opinions of any University that I have been affiliated with during my academic career.

Link to Google Scholar Profile

I am a population biologist by training, thus my lab focuses on both the ecological and genetic factors responsible for a population’s persistence or demise. In this context the major theme in my lab is on the ecology and evolution of reproductive systems in nature. Topics we investigate include plant mating system evolution, plant-pollinator interactions including both pollinators and herbivores, demography of populations, and the role inbreeding and phenotypic plasticity play in the evolution of plant populations.  Research conducted in my lab also directly relates to the need for baseline data that may be utilized to help form successful conservation and restoration management plans for threatened taxa. 

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