Abstract Detail

Population Genetics/Genomics

Rodiguez, Rosa [1], Bastardo, Ruth [2], Manzueta, Katherine [2], Fernández, Josue [2], Carreras, Rosanna [3], Kron, Paul [4].

Population Genetics and Pollinator Ecology of Vaccinium in the Dominican Republic.

The Caribbean Islands Hotspot is one of the most diverse places in the world; however, many species face a high risk of extinction due to human activity. Vaccinium ekmanii, the only endemic species of the genus Vaccinium in Dominican Republic, is critically endangered and restricted to small populations in the Cordillera Central as a result of urban expansion. In contrast, Vaccinium racemosum is a native species with widespread distribution. Our main objective is to compare the genetic diversity of both species and determine whether pollinators have influenced their genetic structure. Seven populations (three V. ekmanii and four V. racemosum) were sampled; including 174 DNA samples, isolation of 46 inflorescences (830 flowers), and collection of 200 seeds. We have identified different visitors for each species. Vaccinium ekmanii is mostly visited by honey bees (Apis mellifera). Vaccinium racemosum is visited by hummingbirds (Chlorostilbon swainsonii) and bananaquits (Coereba flaveola). Both species of Vaccinium are self-compatible but the selfing rate is significantly low; which means that both species depend on pollinators to produce seeds. Population genetics analyses are based on eight microsatellite loci previously designed. Our results suggest that both species have low level of genetic diversity, but genetic differentiation is moderate probably due to the homogenizing effect of pollinators. Anthropogenic activities such as deforestation have reduced population size and as a consequence the genetic diversity of both species.

1 - The Ohio State University, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology , Aronoff Laboratory 456, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
2 - Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Instituto de Investigaciones Botánicas y Zoológicas, Santo Domingo, 10205, Dominican Republic
3 - Instituto de Tecnológico de Santo Domingo, Area de Ciencias Básicas y Ambientales, Santo Domingo, 10205, Dominican Republic
4 - Wake Forest University, Department Of Biology, 1834 Wake Forest Road, WINSTON-SALEM, NC, 27106, USA

Keywords:
Dominican Republic
Vaccinium
Ericaceae
pollination
population genetics
Conservation genetics.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Population Genetics/Genomics
Location: Exhibit Hall/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PPG006
Abstract ID:455
Candidate for Awards:Genetics Section Poster Award