| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section Mosby, Lisa A. [1], Albrecht, Matthew [2], Esselman, Elizabeth [3], Clawitter, Helen [4], Rhodes, Matt [5]. Determination of Seed Viability in a Rare Species: The Tennessee Coneflower . The Tennessee purple coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensi)(Beadle) Small [Asteraceae]) is a federal and state endangered species naturally found in cedar glades in middle Tennessee. A loss of habitat and a naturally restrictive geographic range contributed to this coneflower being listed as endangered. Conservation efforts have been made, new populations of Tennessee coneflower have been established, and a move to delist certain populations is currently under way. However, few studies have examined how the demography and genetics of restored populations compare to natural populations. The purpose of this study is to examine reproductive success in natural and introduced populations of the Tennessee purple coneflower. We compared seed production, seed viability and seed mass in twenty-one and nineteen restored and natural populations,respectively. For most demographic variables, restored populations were just as or more successful than natural populations. Our data highlights the importance of comparing demographic traits in natural and introduced populations for determining success rates in rare plant restoration projects. Future work on this coneflower includes germination studies to determine germination rates and percentages of germination success. Successfully germinated plants will be grown in a greenhouse and leaf tissues will be used for future DNA analysis of genetic diversity. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Biological Sciences, Room 3330 Science Building, Edwardsville, IL, 62026, USA 2 - Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166, USA 3 - Southern Illinois University, Department Of Biology, RM 3330 SCIENCE BLDG, EDWARDSVILLE, IL, 62026-1651, USA 4 - Washington University, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA 5 - Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development, Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166, USA
Keywords: Tennessee coneflower endangered germination studies DNA analysis.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections Session: P Location: Khorassan Ballroom/Chase Park Plaza Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011 Time: 5:30 PM Number: PSY040 Abstract ID:163 |