Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Griffith, M. Patrick [1], Meerow, Alan W. [2], Calonje, Michael [1], Sanchez, Vanessa [2], Hird, Abby [3], Magellan, Tracy M. [1], Knowles, Lindy [4], Francisco-Ortega, Javier [5].

Botanic garden genetics: comparison of two cycad conservation collections.

Genetic data can guide the management of plant conservation collections. Direct assay of an ex situ collection’s genetic diversity, measured against wild plant populations, offers insight for conservation efforts. Here we present a carefully chosen case study, Zamia lucayana, selected for its contrasts with a previous model for this type of assessment, Z. decumbens. These two species provide many comparisons, including: (1) longer vs. shorter generation times, (2) annual, abundant seed production vs. infrequent, irregular seed production; (3) one continuous population vs. several disjunct populations; and (4) ca. 1,000 extant plants vs. no more than 600. In line with these biological differences, structured ex situ collections of Zamia lucayana capture more genetic diversity (244 ex situ plants capture 94% of in situ alleles) than similar collections for Z. decumbens (205 plants capture 77% of in situ alleles). Systematic comparisons of the genetic data between these case studies provide basic recommendations. Foremost, careful consideration of the target species is essential when planning for capture of genetic diversity. Differences in species, accessions, populations, and timing all play a role in collection sampling strategy. For example, these data suggest that slow-maturing, infrequently coning species will require sampling in multiple years, whereas species with faster, frequent, and more abundant reproduction may not. Integrating this type of precise ex situ conservation assessment with in situ management, monitoring, and community outreach can "close the loop," ensuring these living treasures do not go extinct.

Related Links:
Collections Genetics

1 - Montgomery Botanical Center, 11901 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL, 33156, USA
2 - USDA-ARS-SHRS, United States Department Of Agriculture, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL, 33158, USA
3 - Botanic Gardens Conservation International US, 1500 North College Avenue, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
4 - Bahamas National Trust, Nassau, The Bahamas
5 - Florida International University, OE 167 - University Park Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

Keywords:
The Bahamas
Belize
botanic garden
conservation genetics
Cycadales
cycads
ex situ
Zamia
Zamia decumbens
Zamia lucayana
Zamiaceae.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 63
Location: Salon 19/20/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2015
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: 63011
Abstract ID:738
Candidate for Awards:None