Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Schumacher, Emily [1], Franklin, Scott [2], McGlaughlin, Mitchell [3].

Zoned Out: An Analysis of the Genetic Diversity and Structure of Seeds of Success Accessions.

Seed zones are a commonly used guideline for sourcing plant material for restoration projects, which rely on the assumption that seeds sourced from specific areas will be locally adapted to regional environmental conditions. This assumption has been supported by various genetic and common garden experiments, but the relevance to the success of restoration projects has not been tested in the field. Seeds of Success (SOS) is a program implemented by the Bureau of Land Management to collects seeds from species native to the western United States for use in restoration projects utilizing the logic of seed zones. However, the genetic variability within and between seed accessions is largely unknown. If seeds from the same species demonstrate a low amount of genetic structure or diversity throughout their range, there is no evidence for local genotypes and seed zone collecting is not necessary. If seeds are equally genetically diverse and demonstrate a high amount of structure throughout their range, there is evidence for local genotypes, which could impact restoration project success. Therefore, this project aims to determine how genetically distinct and diverse individuals are within and between accessions of SOS seeds common to the sagebrush steppe community of the western United States. Using microsatellite analysis, genetic structure and genetic diversity measurements (including phi-st and Fst values) will be used to examine these common members of sagebrush communities. This data will indicate if there is genetic evidence for using exclusively locally sourced seed material in restoration projects and will contribute to ongoing field restoration trials.

1 - University of Northern Colorado, Biological Sciences, 501 20th St, Box 92, Greeley, CO, 80639, USA
2 - University Of Northern Colorado, School Of Biological Sciences, 501 20th St., Greeley, CO, 80639, United States
3 - University Of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St, Box 92, Greeley, CO, 80639, United States

Keywords:
Seeds of Success
Seed Collections
Microsattelites.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Conservation Biology
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PCB010
Abstract ID:751
Candidate for Awards:None