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Abstract Detail



Conservation Biology

Griffith, M. [1], Calonje, Michael [1], Kramer, Andrea [2], Magellan, Tracy [1], Husby, Chad [1], Meerow, Alan [3].

Underground plants help conservation on the surface – conservation genetics of Zamia decumbens.

Living plant collections are vital components of conservation strategy. In order to function as planned, ex situ collections must capture sufficient diversity. Current protocols for maintaining genetic diversity in living collections are based on limited data. To assess and improve ex situ collections planning, we have selected a test case, Zamia decumbens. This species is found only ‘underground’ in two sinkholes in the Maya Mountains of Belize, and a few scattered hilltop plants. Genetic diversity in this cycad was assayed with 10 microsatellite loci. Broad, nearly complete sampling of the two major populations and the ex situ collections provides a model system allowing robust comparison of genetic diversity between the wild plants and the garden. This allows estimation of the breadth of native diversity represented in the ex situ collection. By modeling effective genetic capture for ex situ collections of various sizes, this analysis can help guide efficient application of limited resources for conserving imperiled plants. This guidance is especially helpful for the cycads, as cycads remain one of the most threatened plant groups, and ex situ collections are acknowledged as a critical facet of cycad conservation.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - Montgomery Botanical Center, 11901 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL, 33156, USA
2 - Botanic Gardens Conservation International US, At Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, 60022, USA
3 - USDA-ARS-SHRS, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL, 33158, USA

Keywords:
cycad
Zamiaceae
Zamia
ex situ collections.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 20
Location: Marlborough A/Riverside Hilton
Date: Tuesday, July 30th, 2013
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: 20010
Abstract ID:993
Candidate for Awards:None


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