Knowledge of processes responsible for seed dormancy can improve our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of reproductive systems. We examined the influence of the breeding system on primary seed dormancy in Hypericum elodes, an Atlantic–European softwater pools specialist plant that exhibits a mixed mating strategy (the ability to both self- and cross-pollinate) to set seeds. Seeds were obtained through hand pollination treatments performed in a natural population during three consecutive years. Primary dormancy of seeds recovered from each pollination treatment was measured by analysing the seed germination response at dispersal and after various periods of cold stratification. While all collected seeds exhibited physiological dormancy, the degree of primary dormancy was associated with the pollination treatments. Weak and rapid loss of primary dormancy characterized seeds recovered from self-pollinated flowers, while stronger dormancy was found in seeds obtained from cross-pollination. The association between pollination treatments and primary dormancy indicated that the mating system should be considered as a source of variation for dormancy degree, proportional to self- and cross-pollinations (selfing rate) within populations of this species. These results suggest that by shedding seeds with various degrees of dormancy, plants may distribute their offspring across time by means of polymorphism in germination response. We conclude that seed germination alone is not an appropriate fitness measure for inbreeding depression estimates, unless dormancy is removed

Knowledge about mixed mating systems can improve our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of reproductive systems. Here we report a study of the floral and reproductive biology of Hypericum elodes, an Atlantic-European soft-water pools specialist which shows a flower architecture consistent with both self-and crosspollination. Controlled pollination experiments were performed in a natural population during three consecutive years. Marked flowers were monitored until fruit production, and laboratory germination experiments were conducted with the seeds produced. Plants were self-compatible (SCI > 0.75), however, compared with selfing, cross-pollination enhanced fruit-set, seed-set and seedling growth, but not seed germination. Inbreeding depression (δ) was mild in the pre-dispersal stages (δ = 0.22 for fruit set, 0.18 for seed set and 0.13 for seed mass), low for germination percentage (δ = 0.003) and mild for seedling growth (δ = 0.23). The breeding system of H. elodes promotes outcrossing and assures reproductive success by means of competitive autogamy. Our results suggest a mixed mating strategy for the studied population, characterized by mild inbreeding depression (cumulative δ = 0.57), highlighting the benefit of this reproductive mode in unpredictable habitat, as the typical shallowwater meadows where H. elodes grows.

Introduction Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is central in the overall diabetes management plan, with absolute decreases in HbA1c of up to 2.0% (in type 2 diabetes) and up to 1.9% (in type 1 diabetes) at 3–6 months. Continuing MNT support is helpful in maintaining glycemic improvements. We evaluated nutritional knowledge level about diabetes and its relation to metabolic control in 50 adult diabetic patients hospitalized in the medical-surgical area in our Hospital. Materials and methods We conducted a descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study from October to November 2020. We performed a validated structured survey that consists of 13 true or false questions about nutritional diabetes knowledge. In addition, patients were asked about the role of the nutritionist in the care of diabetic patients. Also, medical charts were reviewed. Results The mean age was 66 years (range 33-88), mostly males (62%). Sixty-percent of patients were older adults. Only one female patient had type-1 diabetes, the rest had type 2. Mean diabetes duration was 11±10 years. Fifty-six percent of patients had poor metabolic control. The mean glycosylated hemoglobin was 8,6%. The mean body mass index was 32,1Kg/m2. Ninety-two point nine percent of adults and 68,0% of elderly patients were overweight or obese. Sixty-four percent of patients had an appointment with nutritionist. Half of them considered having fulfilled the nutritional treatment. In regard to the survey the average number of correct answers was 8 questions (61,5%). Sufficient diabetic nutritional knowledge (≥70% of the correct answers) was recorded in 30,0% of patients, regular (between 51% and 69% of the correct answers) in 56,0% and insufficient (≤50% of the correct answers) in 14,0%. There was scant knowledge about vegetables and fruits in relation with diabetes. Those with high level of education did not display more knowledge. There was no association between level of knowledge and metabolic control. Eighty percent of those who showed sufficient knowledge had poor metabolic control, compared to 33.3% of those with insufficient knowledge. Of 32 patients that had a nutritionist appointment only 2 had insufficient knowledge and more than 90% had more than 50% of correct answers. In contrast, 71,4% of those without a nutritionist appointment showed insufficient knowledge. Conclusions The diabetic inpatients that had an appointment with nutritionist had regular and sufficient knowledge, compared to most of those without this appointment that showed insufficient knowledge. However, the overall awareness about fruits and vegetables was poor. Although most of the surveyed patients did not show insufficient knowledge, they were overweight or obese and had poor metabolic control. We believe the nutritionist is an essential part of the interdisciplinary team. More studies are warranted to evaluate nutrition knowledge in diabetic patients to plan educational strategies in this population. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.