Abstract Detail

Pteridology

Corral, Sydney [1], Metzgar, Jordan [2].

Examining the range of diploid and tetraploid Asplenium trichomanes subspecies across Virginia.

Asplenium trichomanes is a rock loving fern with a wide geographic range across many temperate regions, including Virginia. This taxon has multiple cytotypes with both diploid and tetraploid subspecies present in North America, along with sterile triploid hybrids of the two. Diploid and tetraploid individuals are difficult to distinguish and often mistaken for one another. Though they may prefer different habitats, spore size is the most reliable method to distinguish the two. Tetraploid spores are significantly larger, with an average longest dimension of 41 μm, while diploids are approximately 29 μm long. Using 60 herbarium samples of Asplenium trichomanes from across Virginia, we constructed a range map of the diploid and tetraploid subspecies. For each specimen, we measured 20 spores, resulting in the measurement of 1200 total spores. Each spore was measured across their widest point including the perispore. Images were captured using a Zeiss Primo Star compound microscope and ImageJ software. Our measurements identified separate diploid, triploid, and tetraploid populations across the state and used to produce a range map.

1 - Virginia Tech, Biological Sciences, 926 W Campus Dr, MC0406, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States
2 - 926 W. Campus Dr, MC 0406, Derring Hall 2119, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States

Keywords:
Asplenium
Floristics
spore size
Virginia.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Pteridology Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2020
Time: 5:00 PM Time and date to be determined
Number: PPT001
Abstract ID:105
Candidate for Awards:None