Create your own conference schedule! Click here for full instructions

Abstract Detail



Systematics Section/ASPT

Wenzel, Aaron [1], Blischak, Paul [2], Wolfe, Andrea [1].

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of Penstemon (Plantaginaceae) section Ericopsis: Evaluating relationships and taxonomic affinities.

Penstemon Mitchell (Plantaginaceae) section Ericopsis is a group of plants found in the Intermountain West of the United States. Comprised of three subsections and 14 species, members of this group are characterized by a low, mat-forming habit with stems that are prostrate to ascending. Although classification has traditionally been based on morphology, taxonomic confusion has been the norm within Ericopsis, with subsections and species being subjected to reclassification, lumping, and splitting. The only molecular phylogenetic analysis to consider members of Ericopsis failed to resolve relationships of species within the section. Thus, questions remain as to taxonomic affinities and evolutionary relationships within the group. In order to resolve relationships we sought to develop primers for low-copy nuclear loci to be used in a phylogenetic analysis of Ericopsis. Using data from a whole genome shotgun sequence of four Penstemon species, we developed primers for 14 pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) loci, which have been demonstrated to be useful in phylogenetic inference among closely related species. Seven of the loci were used in the phylogenetic analysis of section Ericopsis. PPR sequences were variable among species, proving useful for elucidating relationships among species. Since finding variable, low-copy loci is often difficult for workers studying non-model organisms with few genomic resources, we believe our procedure of discovering loci for use in phylogenetic analyses is relatively fast, efficient, and effective.

Broader Impacts:


Log in to add this item to your schedule

1 - Ohio State University, Department of Ecology, Evolution, And Organismal Biology, 318 W. 12th Avenue, COLUMBUS, OH, 43210-1293, USA
2 - Ohio State University, Evolution, Ecology & Organismal Biology, 318 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

Keywords:
Penstemon
Plantaginaceae
marker development
pentatricopeptide repeats.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 11
Location: Magnolia/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 2:30 PM
Number: 11005
Abstract ID:683
Candidate for Awards:George R. Cooley Award


Copyright © 2000-2012, Botanical Society of America. All rights reserved