The Evolutionary Role of Epistasis for Fitness in Chamacrista Fasciculata

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9312067 Fenster The central theme of the proposed research concerns determining the type of gene action which is responsible for genetic differences among populations of the common native legume, Partridge Pea. Genes may act independently of one another so that genetic divergence may simply reflect the accumulated effects of artificial or natural selection acting on single genes. However, it is just as likely that important differences among organisms may reflect selection on combinations of genes. Selection acting on combination of genes means that gene interaction or epistasis is important. The type of gene action can be determined by following the survivorship and reproduction of progeny derived from crosses between parents that are separated from one another by increasing distance.%%% Results from this project using Partridge Pea as a model system may have important implications for a number of different disciplines including evolution, crop and animal breeding, and conservation biology. If organisms are adapted to their environment because of interactions among genes, then our models of evolution will need to be more complex. In addition where gene interactions occur different breeding strategies than those presently employed may have greater efficacy for crop and animal improvement. Strategies for maintaining or preserving genetic diversity in endangered species will also be influenced by whether gene interaction determines traits associated with survivorship, reproduction, or yield.***