La Tour du Valat

Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

Titre :	Fruit structure and fructification capacity of two Lygeum spartum L. cytotypes from western Algeria
Auteurs :	A. Djabeur, Auteur ; M. Kaid-Harche, Auteur ; A. M. Catesson, Auteur
Type de document :	Article
Dans :	Ecologia Mediterranea (34 2008)
Article en page(s) :	5-12
Résumé :	Lygeum spartum, the only species of the genus Lygeum, is present in Algeria either as a diploid (2n = 16) or a polyploid (2n = 40) cytotype. Our results show that the two cytotypes differ in spikelet morphology and reproductive capacity. The diploid cytotype has more vigorous fructifications with lemmas characterized by shorter distal parts, a character which can be used for an easy recognition of the cytotype in the field. It is present only in isolated stations of the high plateaus (e.g. at Kheiter and at Ain Benkhellil, stations 100 km apart). The polyploid cytotype, in spite of a higher number of defective fructifications (between 12 and 17%) and a higher percentage of aborted flowers (21.94% against 9.01%), can be found in stations localized either in the littoral, saline region or on the semi-arid high plateaus. Thus, the two cytotypes differ by morphological, biological characters as well as by their geographical location. Further in situ observations based on the present results would lead to a better understanding of the extension potential of both cytotypes in view of better management, protection and regeneration of Lygeum spartum communities.

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