Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 April 2009
The mating system of a natural population of Bulinus globosus from the Chiweshe area, Zimbabwe, was studied with mother—offspring data using isozyme genetic markers. The study was done in response to work on the genetic structure of this population which suggested a limited extent of cross-fertilization. Of the 24 adults whose progenies were analysed, at least 15 showed evidence of outcrossing and 9 had results consistent with selfing. These results show that the two modes of reproduction are important under natural conditions and the mating system of this population is considered to be ‘partially-selfing’.