Comparison of Reproduction Success of Liriodendron chinense Sarg. and L. tulipifera Linn.

Abstract:

The resources allocation and reproductive success were compared between Liriodendron chinense and L. tulipifera based on mating design trial and floral characteristics. Six adult trees, 3 from L. chinense and 3 from L. tulipifera, were chosen as mating parents. By comparing the floral characteristics between Liriodendron chinense and L. tulipifera, we found that there was a significant interspecies difference existing in both reproductive strategy and reproductive success. To ensure their reproductive success, L. chinense seems to pursue the strategy of augment to the number of reproductive organ, while L. tulipifera takes the way of improvement for the reproductive efficiency. Overall, the male reproductive success of L. chinense was higher than that of L. tulipifera, while its female reproductive success was lower than L. tulipifera.

Key words:Liriodendron.chinense Sarg.; L. tulipifera Linn.; Mating design; Reproductive resources; Reproductive resources; Reproductive success