Heterosis in crosses between remnant populations of the rare prairie forb Silene regia: Implications for restoration genetics.

PREMISE: Calls to adopt seed-sourcing strategies in biological restoration that preserve local adaptation while maximizing genetic variation (e.g., regional admixture provenancing) are increasingly common. Heterosis, the increased fitness of progeny from crosses between populations relative to progeny from crosses within populations, could provide an added benefit under such strategies.

METHODS

We quantified heterosis in crosses between three small remnant populations of the rare prairie forb Silene regia. We measured early fitness components (seed number per fruit, germination, and juvenile survival) in a greenhouse. Adult fitness components (survival and reproduction) were quantified over two flowering seasons in two different environments: in a field experiment simulating the initial stages of a restoration and in a greenhouse. Our approach is unique in estimating heterosis in an environment most relevant to the early stages of a restoration, and in comparing heterosis in the field and controlled conditions.

RESULTS

The consequences of between-population crosses for cumulative fitness in the field were strongly positive in two of the populations (281% and 50% heterosis) and nearly neutral in a third. Heterosis was generally stronger when measured in the field, and stage-specific patterns of heterosis varied among populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Regional admixture provenancing in restorations should be beneficial for this species. We advocate for more research on heterosis in rare species, particularly for restorations. We also provide a cautionary note on how to calculate and report results for heterosis studies.