Variation in pollen flow, mating performances, and seed dispersal were examined using direct and indirect approaches in contrasted
hedgerow networks (i.e., dense vs. sparse) of the distylous
Primula vulgaris. Seed dispersal reached negligible distances, and no difference was observed between the two hedgerow networks. On the contrary,
pollen flow through
Bombylius sp. activity was impeded in the dense hedgerow network. Furthermore,
P. vulgaris was found to be partially self-compatible in our study site. The lower pollen flow in the dense hedgerow network, and especially
in small populations, is likely to have unusually favoured self-compatibility and hence selfing in
P. vulgaris short-style morph. In addition, the inbreeding depression values recorded were higher in the dense hedgerow network. Our
results suggested that a dense hedgerow network does not necessarily ensure connectivity in
Primula vulgaris in terms of gene flow. This study provides evidence for considering landscape structure in the microevolutionary processes.
Keywords Distyly - Hedgerow network - Mating performances variation - Pollen flow - Seed dispersal