Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Hadle, Jacob [1], Beck, James [2].

Polyploidy in Dominant Great Plains Grasses: Investigating the Geographic Distribution of Cytotypes in Buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides).

Buchloë dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm. (buffalograss) is a major rangeland plant across most of the Great Plains, and has received much attention as a turf grass for lawns, golf courses, and erosion control. Like many dominant Great Plains grass species, B. dactyloides comprises a series of cytotypes, including diploids, tetraploids, pentaploids, and hexaploids. Preliminary studies indicate that diploids are relatively rare, unlike more broadly distributed higher cytotypes. However, the full picture of cytotype distribution within B. dactyloides is uncertain. This is important since rapid range shifts due to climate change could potentially eliminate certain cytotypes if they are non-randomly distributed geographically. The aim of this study is to establish the geographic distribution of buffalograss cytotypes, and to assess large-scale patterns of genetic variation within each cytotype. A range-wide sample set will be obtained by combining field collections and tissue sampled from herbarium collections. Cytotype of each individual will be estimated by observing allele numbers at 10-12 microsatellite loci, using a straightforward “maximum allele” approach. The accuracy of this estimation strategy will be assessed by comparing microsatellite-based estimates to known ploidy in a set of samples in which chromosome counts were performed. The major genetic groups within each cytotype will then be established using data at these microsatellite loci and in a genomic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset. This geographic array of both cytotypes and within-cytotype genetic groups will then be mapped. This is the first study to assess the distribution of cytotypes and genetic variation across the full geographic range of B. dactyloides, insights that will aid the preservation of buffalograss phenotypic and genetic diversity in the face of future climate change threats.

1 - Wichita State University, Biological Sciences, 1845 Fairmount, 537 Hubbard Hall, KS, 67260, USA
2 - Wichita State University, Biological Sciences, 1845 Fairmount, 537 Hubbard Hall, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA

Keywords:
buffalograss
Polyploidy
microsatellite
Great Plains.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 50
Location: Salon 10/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
Time: 4:00 PM
Number: 50010
Abstract ID:230
Candidate for Awards:None