Could the reproductive system explain the stability and long-term persistence in a natural hybrid zone of Petunia (Solanaceae)?

The long-term success of populations is dependent on individual reproductive success, and in general, increased population size genetic diversity contribute to maintenance, reducing the risk local extinction. Interspecific hybridization has consequences that can vary according hybrids' fate, which be strongly influenced by capacity hybrids canonical individuals from contact zone. We examined biology morphology two closely related Petunia (Solanaceae) species their interspecific Serra do Sudeste, Southern Brazil, we measured under controlled conditions based seed production germination five pollination treatments. found differences self-compatibility degree among individuals, lineages, treatments high total (> 204,000 seeds) (630 seedlings evaluated). No correlation was observed between corolla colour or floral morphological traits compatibility. High inter-lineage compatibility explain hybrid populations' maintenance origin, favouring analysed species' introgression.