Abstract Detail

Population Genetics

Brauner, Soren [1], Martinson, Angela [1], Alkalbani, Hmoud [1].

Microsatellite Variation in Ohio Populations of Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea).

Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is an invasive grass that often dominates and forms monocultures in wetlands. It recently expanded in coverage in a section of a wetland at the Ashland University Black Fork Preserve that had been logged prior to becoming part of the preserve. An earlier study using ISSRs found very high levels of genetic diversity in this population and that establishment was primarily by seed with clonal establishment generally only over 2-3 meters. This study led to the larger question regarding the genetic diversity and invasion history of reed canarygrass in Ohio. The current study is using microsatellites to examine the genetic structure of Ohio populations. Samples from fifteen populations from different regions and watersheds were collected and analysis is underway with 12 microsatellite primers previously used in another study of European and North American populations of reed canarygrass (Jakubowski et al, 2011). A central question is whether any pattern is evident for the sources of establishment of reed canarygrass in different regions/watersheds or whether multiple introductions occurred independently in different regions. Results to date will be presented.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Ashland University, Department of Biology, 401 College Ave., ASHLAND, OH, 44805, USA

Keywords:
reed canarygrass
invasive species
microsatellite.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPG002
Abstract ID:712
Candidate for Awards:None