Genotypic variation for reproductive characters, and the influence of pollen‐ovule ratio on selfing rate in rape seed (Brassica napus)

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Abstract
The variance component for genotypic effects and covariable plant vigor were estimated for pollen production, number of ovules, the weight of the flower without anther sacs and pistil, and the gender of the whole plant, in the rape seed variety Topas. There was a significant effect of the genotype for all measured characters. We did not find any trade‐off between the male and female functions. Small plants were relatively more male‐biased than large plants. The weight of the flower without anther sacs or pistil was positively correlated with pollen production. The selfing rates of the lines were positively correlated with the pollen‐ovule ratio, suggesting that the selfing rate of individual plants is positively correlated with pollen‐ovule ratio, thus supporting the “mass‐action” model. It is proposed that the observed increase in the population selfing rate during the flowering season for some species, including rape seed, can be caused by an overall decrease in male investment.

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