Pattern of resource allocation of six Plantago species with different breeding systems

Species of Plantago exhibit great deal of differences in the breeding syste m. The reproductive effort calculated on the basis of, (i) dry biomass of f oliar and floral parts and (ii) seed output-weight (mg) per unit leaf area (cm(2)), exhibits relation with breeding system. The predominantly inbreedi ng taxa invest higher reproductive effort compared to their outbreeding all ies. In terms of sex allocation strategies, the outbreeding species like P. lanceolata, P. lagopus invest more to the development of floral features a nd to mate functions. On the contrary, inbreeding species such as P. patago nica, P. drummondii, and P. ovata invest greater resources to the female fu nction.