An article from University of Tartu Landscape Biodiversity Group titled "Skewed morph ratios lead to lower genetic diversity of the heterostylous Primula veris in fragmented grasslands" was published in the journal Plant Biology. The article studied the effects of morph ratio bias on the genetic diversity of the cowslip caused by the loss of grassland habitats. In well-preserved grasslands, we expect to see an equal balance of both morph types, which are needed for successful reproduction. However, this balance can be disrupted due to the loss and fragmentation of habitats. The authors found that genetic diversity was also lower in such populations where the morph frequencies were very unbalanced.
The results of this study show that it is necessary to maintain the integrity, size and connectivity of natural habitats in order to ensure the sustainability of insect-pollinated plants. The authors of this study from our workgroup include Marianne Kaldra, Iris Reinula and Tsipe Aavik.
