Abstract Detail

Hybrids and Hybridization

Hankins, Kayla [1], Brenek, Austin [1], Randle, Christopher P. [1], Pascarella, John [2].

The assessment of interspecific hybridization between Baptisia arachnifera and Baptisia lecontei using Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) markers.

The primary objective of this project was to assess directly the hypothesis of hybridization between two closely related species, Baptisia lecontei and the endangered Baptisia arachnifera. In the 1980’s, B. arachnifera was cultivated in an ex situ population housed at the Lake Louise Biological Field Station of Valdosta State University in an effort to prevent the species’ extinction. In 2005, however, morphologically unique plants exhibiting intermediate characteristics were discovered growing in close proximity to adult B. arachnifera individuals as well as near individuals of B. lecontei at the Lake Louise Biological Field Station. Thus, to test the hypothesis of hybridization, we identified SRAP markers capable of distinguishing the two putative parental species. Tissue samples were taken from the original marked B. arachnifera transplants at the Lake Louise site, as well as mature B. lecontei showing no signs of morphological intermediacy and growing at some distance. Markers were generated from plant material collected on silica gel in October 2015 including tissue from putative F1s and seedlings grown from fruits collected on site. PCR reactions were run twice, and only markers generated in both runs were included in the analysis. Markers were then scored as present/absent, and the Dice coefficient was used to estimate genetic distance. Genetic distances were visualized using Principal Coordinates Analysis, and a hybrid index was generated for each individual included in the analysis. Our results will contribute to the understanding of hybridization within the genus Baptisia, which is known for its extensive natural hybridization, as well as address potential problems within ex situ populations of endangered species.

1 - Sam Houston State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 1900 Avenue I, Huntsville, TX, 77340, USA
2 - Sam Houston State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 1900 Avenue I, Hunstville, TX, 77340, USA

Keywords:
Baptisia
introgression
Hybridization
Sequence Related Amplified Polymorphism.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 22, Hybrids and Hybridization
Location: Sundance 1/Omni Hotel
Date: Tuesday, June 27th, 2017
Time: 9:00 AM
Number: 22003
Abstract ID:288
Candidate for Awards:None