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Abstract Detail


Systematics Section

Comer , Jason R [1], Zomlefer, Wendy [2], Matte Santos, Alexandre [1], Leebens-Mack, Jim [3].

A preliminary study of the genetic diversity in Georgia and Florida populations of Veratrum woodii (Liliales: Melanthiaceae).

Veratrum woodii grows in moist deciduous forests predominately on north- and east-facing slopes, ranging from as far south as northern Florida northward into Ohio, reaching its western range edge in Missouri-Iowa down to eastern Oklahoma. However, most states have only a few isolated populations, where V. woodii is ranked endangered, rare, or threatened. The species is locally common only in Missouri, where it occurs in most of the eastern half of the state. Veratrum woodii is a long-lived rhizomatous perennial species with maroon flowers with large adaxial perigonal nectaries and is insect pollinated. Based on this pollination syndrome, this species is considered to be outcrossing. The purpose of this preliminary study is to assess the genetic diversity of populations of V. woodii in Georgia and Florida. Leaf tissue was collected from seven populations from Georgia and three in Florida for Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analyses. Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms were selected for this study because they do not require previous knowledge of the genome, and the data represent samples of the entire genome. Populations ranged in size from more than 600 to as few as five individuals. Thirty individuals were sampled from each population whenever possible. Three primer combinations were selected, and the fragments generated were analyzed using GenAlEx software. The results show that Veratrum woodii has a mean expected heterozygosity comparable to other rare long-lived perennials. While most of the genetic variation is within populations, the phi pt value indicates that V. woodii has been undergoing some inbreeding, as well.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - University of Georgia, Plant Biology, 2502 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
2 - University Of Georgia, Department Of Plant Biology, 2052 Miller Plant Sciences Building, 120 Carlton Street, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
3 - University Of Georgia, 4503 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

Keywords:
Veratrum
AFLP
genetic diversity
Georgia
Florida.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 51
Location: Lindell A/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Time: 3:45 PM
Number: 51010
Abstract ID:291


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