Abstract Detail

Population Genetics

Heyduk, Karolina [1], Grady, Ben R. [2], Juenger, Thomas E. [3], Sytsma, Kenneth [4].

Species boundaries and population genetics of Eriogonum pelinophilum: implications for conservation.

Eriogonum (Polygonaceae), a genus limited to North America, includes a number of rare species. The conservation status of members of Eriogonum range from special concern to endangered, both at the state and federal level. Delineation of some species within the genus has been contentious due to different interpretations of morphological characters and the proposed recent speciation of the group. In some cases, conservation measures have been hindered by confounding taxonomic treatments. Eriogonum pelinophilum is a federally endangered species limited to isolated areas within two counties in western Colorado. It is morphologically similar to E. clavellatum, but consistent morphological characters differentiate these two species. E. clavellatum is restricted to the Four Corners area, a range distinct from that of E. pelinophilum. Eriogonum contortum, another morphologically and geographically distinct species, has often been considered similar to E.pelinophilum and E. clavellatum. Phylogenetic analysis of nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequence data reveals that E. contortum is not as closely related to the other two species as previously thought. The relationship between E. pelinophilum and E. clavellatum, however, is not as clear; the various gene trees are incongruent. Using Next Gen sequencing technology, microsatellite primers are being developed for E. pelinophilum. By implementing microsatellite data, we gain insight into the genetic distance between these two species. Microsatellites are used to assess genetic diversity among and between element occurrences of E. pelinophilum. These results will help guide conservation efforts.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Wisconsin, Department of Botany, 430 Lincoln Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
2 - University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Botany, 430 Lincoln Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
3 - University of Texas at Austin, Integrative Biology, 1 University Station Stop, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
4 - University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Botany, 430 Lincoln Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA

Keywords:
microsatellites
Genetic diversity
conservation
Eriogonum.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Khorassan Ballroom/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPG003
Abstract ID:306