Inbreeding depression, functional traits and phenotypic plasticity in an endangered tree species with a mixed mating system
Pericopsis elata, a highly logged African timber species, shows unusually high self-fertilization (54%) and suffers from poor natural regeneration. To understand how inbreeding depression (ID) affects growth and functional traits, 540 seedlings were monitored for four years in a Nelder-type density gradient. Nine morphological and eight chemical leaf traits were measured, alongside growth metrics, with paternity analyses distinguishing inbred vs. outbred plants. Results revealed that outbred plants consistently grew faster than inbred ones, confirming ID across competition levels. While mean leaf trait values did not differ significantly between inbred and outbred plants, plasticity in traits such as chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and leaf fresh mass was higher in outbred individuals. This suggests that ID in P. elata growth is linked not to trait averages but to reduced adaptive phenotypic plasticity. The study highlights the need for further intraspecific research to clarify how ID interacts with functional traits and plasticity, informing silvicultural strategies for sustainable management.
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This works is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors
Ngongo, J.P.,Kafuti, C.,Beeckman, H.,Ndjele, L.,Ibrahim, E.,Ilunga-Mulala, C.,Hatakiwe, H.,Brostaux, Y.,Assumani Angbonda, D-M.,Drouet, T.,Bourland, N.,Hardy, O.J.
Publication year
2025
