摘要
The Moroccan populations of Alnus glutinosa(L.)Gaertn.(Betulaceae)They are located at the southern limit of the species'distribution and are represented by tetraploid cytotypes.Assessing phenotypic variability in reproductive traits is crucial for understanding the persistence,evolution,and range dynamics of plant populations.However,no previous studies have analyzed the relative importance of variability in explaining inter-or intra-population differences in reproductive traits.To address this gap,we investigated phenotypic variation in reproductive organs by examining 10 traits in 3.600 male catkins,3.600 female catkins,and seeds from 12 populations across the Moroccan Rif Mountains.Our results highlighted the significance of inter-population variability.However,we found that the contribution of within-tree variation to total phenotypic variability was greater than that of both inter-and intra-population variation.Principal component analysis(PCA)revealed a phenotypic gradient among populations,primarily driven by female catkin size,though this gradient was not associated with geographic conditions.This finding was further supported by Mantel test results,which showed no correlation between phenotypic variability and population conditions.These findings have important implications for the genetic improvement,conservation,and resource management of Alnus glutinosa in the future.
