Microsatellites distinguish sexual vs. apomictic reproduction in spontaneous Rubus hybrids

In previous work we identified spontaneous hybrids between the native, sexual R. ursinus and the non-native, apomictic R. armeniacus and R. pensilvanicus.  Using microsatellite genotypes of seeds and seedlings, we determine that the hybrids produce a mix of sexual and clonal offspring, and that sexual seeds have higher viability.  This has implications for the ability of hybrid Rubus to evolve into new invasive forms.