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\begin{document}

\title{Lonesome plants: How isolation affects seed set of a threatened
dioecious shrub}



\author[1]{Patricio García-Guzmán}%
\author[2]{Andrea  Loayza}%
\author[3]{Danny   Carvajal}%
\author[4]{Giovanni  Carozzi-Figueroa}%
\affil[1]{	Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB)}%
\affil[2]{Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad de La Serena}%
\affil[3]{Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB)}%
\affil[4]{Universidad Andres Bello}%


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  \date{May 25, 2024}


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\begin{abstract}
PREMISE OF THE STUDY Plant reproductive failure is a critical concern
for conserving rare and endangered species that typically have
low-density and sparse populations. One important factor contributing to
reproductive failure is the spatial arrangement of plants within a
population, which can lead to isolation and negatively affect seed
output, particularly in obligate outcrossers. Additionally, this effect
can be compounded by plant size. Here, we investigate how plants'
spatial distribution and size influence the reproductive success of
Carica chilensis, a threatened papaya species. METHODS Using flower
exclusion, we first examined whether C. chilensis can produce seeds via
apomixis. We then used Spatial Point Pattern Analysis (SPPA) in three
populations to examine the spatial arrangement of plants and, finally,
we assess whether plant size and mate distance influence the
reproductive success of this plant species. KEY RESULTS C. chilensis is
a dioecious shrub unable to produce fruits through apomixis. The SPPA
revealed significant clustering of female and male plants at different
spatial scales, indicating a non-random distribution. Moreover, a
significant attraction between the sexes suggested a preference for
proximity. In two populations, closer proximity to male plants was
linked to higher seed production. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that
the absence of apomixis in C. chilensis makes it prone to experiencing
distance-dependent reproductive failure. In particular, the seed set was
compromised in female plants isolated from male neighbors. This link
between isolation and seed production was especially significant in the
driest site, and we discuss how environmental factors can exacerbate
this effect.%
\end{abstract}%



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\verb`Garc\selectlanguage{ngerman}ía-Guzmán et al_EcolEvol.docx`  available at \url{https://authorea.com/users/675082/articles/673175-lonesome-plants-how-isolation-affects-seed-set-of-a-threatened-dioecious-shrub}\selectlanguage{english}
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