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Contrasting patterns of phenotypic and genetic variation in hybrid offspring: Causes and consequences

The outcome of natural hybridization in plants is difficult to predict. The symmetry of the hybridization depends on numerous elements, such as the viability and fertility of hybrid offspring, the initial sizes of the parental populations, and pollinator preferences. If hybridization is asymmetrical, it is expected that the inheritance will be oriented towards the same parental taxon on both molecular and morphological levels. Using molecular and morphological markers, we analysed the natural hybridization between Salvia officinalis, an indigenous species well adapted to the local environment, and S. fruticosa, a non-native species struggling with marginal environmental conditions. Results reveal that hybridization has an asymmetrical pattern and that gene flow is oriented towards S. fruticosa. However, the hybrid individuals resulting from back-crossing with S. fruticosa are more morphologically similar to S. officinalis. We believe that environmental pressure is responsible for such a hybridization outcome. To achieve the phenotypic optimum previously achieved by S. officinalis, hybrids use the genetic potential gained from the hybridization to become morphologically more like the native species.

hybrid; hybridization; phenotype; genotype; inheritance; Salvia

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