Data from: Remnant Pachira quinata pasture trees have greater opportunities to self and suffer reduced reproductive success due to inbreeding depression

Habitat fragmentation is extensive throughout the world, converting
natural ecosystems into fragments of varying size, density and
connectivity. The potential value of remnant trees in agricultural
landscapes as seed sources and in connecting fragments has formed a
fertile area of debate. This study contrasted the mating patterns of
bat-pollinated Pachira quinata trees in a continuous forest to those in
pasture through microsatellite-based paternity analysis of progeny. The
breeding system was determined by analysis of pollen tube growth and seed
production from controlled pollinations. Fitness of selfed and outcrossed
seed was compared by germination and seedling growth. There was more
inbreeding within pasture trees (outcrossing=0.828±0.015) compared with
forest trees (0.926±0.005). Pasture trees had fewer sires contributing to
mating events, but pollen dispersal distances were greater than those in
the forest. Paternity analysis showed variation in outcrossing rates among
pasture trees with high proportions of external and self pollen sources
detected. A leaky self-incompatibility system was found, with self pollen
having reduced germination on stigmas and slower growth rate through the
style. Controlled pollinations also showed a varied ability to self among
trees, which was reflected in the selfing rates among pasture trees shown
by the paternity analysis (0–80% selfing). Self pollination resulted in
lower seed set, germination and seedling growth compared with outcrossing.
While remnant trees in agricultural landscapes are involved in broader
mating patterns, they show increased but varied levels of inbreeding,
which result in reduced fitness.