Abstract Detail

Getting everyone involved: Saving the seaside alder

GIBSON, J PHIL [1].

Genetic Diversity, Disjunct Distribution, and Recruitment in Seaside Alder.

One of the most curious aspects of Alnus maritima seaside alder is its highly disjunt distribution. Only three regional populations in Oklahoma, Georgia, and the Delmarva Peninsula remain for this species Although it has been proposed to be due to anthropogenic factors, genetic analyses indicate the three remaining populations are remnants of a once larger distribution. Failure of new individuals to establish in the remaining populations poses an immediate threat to loss of the unique genetic contained in the different regions. In addition to censusing of remaining trees in Oklahoma, current research is investigating the factors limiting establishment of new individuals, which is critical to maintaining genetic diversity within and among populations. Germination analyses indicate seed viability is not limiting establishment, but rather competition with other plants and a potentially negative interaction with their root microbiome may be negatively affecting recruitment in this species

1 - University of Oklahoma, Department of Microbiology & Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Norman, ok, 73019, USA

Keywords:
seaside alder
Alnus maritima
seed dispersal
seed germination
Cox Proportional Hazard Model
population genetics
conservation.

Presentation Type: Symposium Presentation
Session: SY3, Getting everyone involved: Saving the seaside alder
Location: Fort Worth Ballroom 2/Omni Hotel
Date: Tuesday, June 27th, 2017
Time: 10:15 AM
Number: SY3005
Abstract ID:67
Candidate for Awards:None