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Abstract Detail


Population Genetics

Mathews, Katherine [1], Pate, Sarah [2], Clement, Jason [3], Looney, Patrick [3], McCoy, Joe-Ann [4].

Use of Genetic Markers and Chemical Quantification to Identify Populations of Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) With Desirable Properties for Breeding a Regional Cultivar.

The first year of a collaborative project to characterize genetic, chemical and growth characteristics of the medicinal herb, black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), has yielded promising results. Over 60 individual plants from 20 populations collected throughout the species' native range are being propagated in control-pollination regeneration field cages to provide research materials for both genetic and analytical testing. Growth data collected include morphological descriptors, emergence dates, flowering dates, and seed production rates. HPLC quantification of triterpenoid glycosides and other biologically active compounds are being performed to observe both intra- and interpopulation variation throughout the native range of the species. DNA samples were collected from leaves of all individuals and used to develop microsatellite markers for the species. Multiple microsatellite primers are being screened for variability within and among accessions, as well as among Actaea species. Ultimately, we hope to correlate genetic markers with superior phytochemical production and desirable growth traits for the creation of a regional cultivar that can be unambiguously identified. Given the increasing demand for high-quality herbal products, the creation and production of a cultivar with demonstrably higher levels of triterpenoid glycosides could prove advantageous to western North Carolina growers.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - Western Carolina University, 132 NATURAL SCIENCE BUILDING, CULLOWHEE, NC, 28723, USA
2 - Western Carolina University, Department of Biology, 132 Natural Science Building, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA
3 - Western Carolina University, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA
4 - The North Carolina Arboretum, Bent Creek Germplasm Repository, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC, 28806, USA

Keywords:
microsatellite
triterpenoid glycoside
regional cultivar.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Khorassan Ballroom/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPG008
Abstract ID:759


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