Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Feist, Mary Ann [1], Zaya, David N. [2], Molano-Flores, Brenda [2], Koontz, Jason [3].

Assessing genetic diversity for the USA endemic carnivorous plant Pinguicula ionantha R.K. Godfrey (Lentibulariaceae).

Pinguicula ionantha R.K. Godfrey (Godfrey's butterwort; Lentibulariaceae) is a federally listed species endemic to the southeastern USA. This species is only found in six counties in the Florida Panhandle (Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Liberty, and Wakulla) in seepage bogs and pond cypress habitats. Although information about elements of occurrence, chromosome number, habitat characteristics, and demography is available for Pinguicula ionantha many aspects of the biology and ecology of the species including the population genetics are still unknown or understudied. The main goal of our study was to assess the population genetics for Pinguicula ionantha. In particular we aimed to determine: 1) the genetic diversity within and among populations, 2) the genetic similarity, and 3) the relationship between population size and genetic diversity for this species. In 2012-2013, leaf material was collected from 17 populations of various sizes across the range of the species. To assess genetic diversity Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms markers were used. A total of 899 markers were scored and the following metrics were calculated: proportion of polymorphic loci, expected heterozygosity, population structure, and genetic similarity. Overall, varying levels of genetic diversity were found among populations, although in general low levels of polymorphic loci (mean = 23.5%) and expected heterozygosity (mean = 0.077) were found. In addition, genetic similarity was less than 4% and population structure was about 14% within individual populations. Lastly, no significant relationship was found between population size and proportion of polymorphic loci and between population size and expected heterozygosity. The observed patterns of genetic diversity suggest that although P. ionantha populations are isolated spatially by distance and natural barriers, some gene flow occurs among them. Nonetheless, the relatively low levels of genetic diversity associated with this species are a concern as it may impair its evolutionary capability in a changing environment. The results of this study provide the foundation for the development of protocols that will assist in the protection of unique alleles, reintroductions, augmentations, and seed collection practices for this rare carnivorous plant.

1 - University of Wisconsin-Madison, Botany Department, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI, 53706
2 - Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL, 61820-6970, USA
3 - Augustana College, Biology Department, 639 38th Street, Rock Island, IL, 61201, USA

Keywords:
Carnivorous plant
Pinguicula 
population genetics.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PCB005
Abstract ID:639
Candidate for Awards:None