| Abstract Detail
Reproductive biology Rodiguez, Rosa [1], Bastardo, Ruth [2], Manzueta, Katherine [3], Fernandez, Josue [3]. Preliminary results on the population genetics and reproductive biology of Vaccinium (Ericaceae) in the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean Islands is one of the most diverse places in the world; however, many species are critically endangered due to human pressures. The only endemic species of the genus Vaccinium (V. ekmanii) is critically endanger and restricted to small population in the Cordillera Central. In the other hand, Vaccinium racemosum is a native species with widespread distribution in the country. Because these species have a distinctive distribution, we believe that comparative studies of their population genetics and reproductive biology can help to design conservation strategies that allow us to protect the species in the wild. To access the population genetics of both species we are using 10 microsatellites previously designed. For reproductive biology; we are isolating inflorescences, and observing and identifying pollinators in addition to germinations assays. Up to date, we have sampled five populations, collected 118 DNA samples, isolated 24 inflorescences (378 flowers) and planted 200 seeds. We have identified different pollinators for each species. For Vaccinium ekmanii ants are the most likely pollinator till now while hummingbirds are the potential pollinators of V. racemosum. We have not been able to determine whether V. ekmanii and V. racemosum are self-compatibles since isolated inflorescences have developed fruits in some individual while in other they have not. Seed germination percentage is higher in V. ekmanii; however, the results are not statistical significant because low sample size. In the future, after the data collection is complete, we expected to low genetic diversity and reproductive capacity in V. ekmanii in comparison with V. racemosum due to the negative effects of inbreeding, genetic drift, changes in pollinators behavior and anthropogenic activities.
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1 - 7650 SW 55th AVE APT A, Miami, FL, 33143, USA
2 - Instituto de Investigaciones Botanicas y Zoologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, Alma Mater, Santo Domingo, 10105, DOM
3 - Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, Biology, Alma Mater, Santo Domingo, 10105, DOM
Keywords:
Vaccinium
Dominican Republic
Ericaceae
pollination
Seed germination.
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: PRP007
Abstract ID:756
Candidate for Awards:None |
