One of the most common evolutionary transitions in plants is the evolution of selfing from outcrossing.  Many highly selfing species have evolved what is known as the selfing syndrome, which is a reduction in flower size, nectar production, pollen production, scent production, and sometimes a loss of pigmentation.  We are interested in several questions about the evolution of this syndrome, including:

1.  Do all these traits evolve independently, or do correlations among them allow them to evolve together?

2.  Are the changes in these traits due to selection (e.g. to reallocate resources to other functions) or due to genetic drift because selection for attracting pollinators is greatly relaxed in selfers.

3.  Do any of these trait changes contribute directly to increased selfing.

We are addressing these questions using two sister species: Ipomoea cordatotriloba (mixed mating system) and I. Lacunosa (highly selfing).  The latter species exhibits the selfing syndrome.