Poster 6: Genetic - ecological research for nature conservation: genetic erosion, genetic pollution and hybridisation in plants

Hybrid zones of plants contain metapopulations with ncreased heterozygosity and allelic richness as compared to the within-species populations only. The occurrence of hybrids and introgressed hybrids depends on the mode of reproduction, the distances of gene flow through pollen and seed. The dynamic nature of abiotic systems also may play a role in shaping the hybrid patches at local and regional scales. Hybrid zones from four plant groups (riparian trees, wetland-, forest- and aquatic plants) and at different landscape levels will be compared by using allozymes, nuclear DNA and chloroplast microsatellites. The model species groups are the outcrossing but also vegetatively propagating Salix (willows) and Scirpus (sedges) species from dynamic riparian zones and estuarine conditions, the obligate outcrossing species of Primula (primroses) and Najas (water nymph) from respectively agricultural landscapes and lakes.