Symposium Abstract

Andrea Lee Benedict

Department of Biology

Inter-population Differences in Flowering Phenology in Response to Different Light Intensities in the Androdioecious Plant Species Mercurialis annua

Mercurialis annua is able to modify allocation to male and female function in varying conditions, including light intensity. The onset of male versus female flowers may be one aspect of this allocation. This species is genetically variable, therefore populations may differ in the timing of onset of male versus female function under different light conditions. Preliminary observations show differences in flowering onset and populations may be evolving differences in vegetative and reproductive development.

Session C — 12:00 p.m. — Faculty Lounge.