LEVERICH, W. J.*, JESúS M. DESANTIAGO, and PHUONG JULIE NGUYEN. Saint Louis University, Department of Biology, 3507 Laclede Ave., St. Louis MO 63103. - Inequality in individual plant reproductive performance.
Individual variation in total plant reproduction was studied in
experimental populations of Phlox drummondii and Brassica
rapa. Variation was studied with respect to differences in area
available to each plant for growth, distance to nearest neighbor,
average plant density, and emergence date. The results showed
significant inequality in reproductive performance between
individuals. Date of emergence was clearly a significant factor when
this was variable. Among even-aged plants, available area and distance
to nearest neighbor accounted for some differences. In establishing a
reproductive hierarchy, earlier germination has a very large
influence.
Key words: reproductive ecology, reproductive inequality