Genetic differentiation in natural populations of a Keystone Bunchgrass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aristida stricta</Emphasis>) across its native range |
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Authors: | Jyotsna Sharma Sheeja George Madhav Pandey Jeff Norcini Hector Perez |
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Institution: | (1) University of Florida NFREC, Quincy, FL 32351, USA;(2) University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;(3) Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA |
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Abstract: | Aristida stricta Michx. (Poaceae) is a perennial bunchgrass native to the Southeastern Coastal Plain of North America where it is a keystone
species in the longleaf pine savannas and slash pine flatwoods from southeastern North Carolina to Florida, and westward to
the coast of Mississippi. We examined genetic relationships within and among ten populations of A. stricta by using eight inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers to generate band frequency data for 32 individuals from each sampled
population. An analysis of molecular variance showed that 38% of the variation resided among populations while 62% was attributable
to variation within populations. Grouping the populations by habitat or by geographic location did not show significant differentiation
between the groups. Overall, pair-wise geographic and genetic distances were not correlated. Data indicate that while individuals
within each population are genetically diverse, there seemingly are barriers to gene flow across populations leading to their
divergence. Each population contains several exclusive loci suggesting that limited gene flow and/or genetic drift are likely
leading to this pattern of localization. Our results, coupled with those of the previous studies that presented evidence for
local adaptation and phenotypic differences among populations, suggest that there is sufficient differentiation among populations
of this species to warrant: (1) maintenance of the existing genetic diversity at individual sites, and (2) use of local seed
and plant sources for conservation projects. |
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