Abstract Detail

Population Genetics/Genomics

Hayes, Jonathan [1], Williams, Tanisha [1], Goad, Rachel [2], Martine, Christopher [1].

Genetic diversity & connectivity of Chasmanthium latifolium (Poaceae) in Pennsylvania & the effect on conservation status.

Chasmanthium latifolium (Poaceae) is a rhizomatous perennial plant species that lives in riparian habitats, making it fittingly referred to as river oats. Native to the southern midwest and the eastern half of the United States, C. latifolium reaches the northeastern edge of its range in Pennsylvania. Chasmanthium latifolium (Poaceae) is comprised of two metapopulations that exhibit an east-west disjunction within Pennsylvania. Due to the limited and isolated distribution of the species within the state, as well as declining populations, C. latifolium is considered a critically impared (S1) plant in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PHNP) but is ranked as tentatively undetermined by the state. My study aims to achieve two main objectives: 1) survey populations and investigate the genetic diversity and connectivity of the two metapopulations, and 2) revise the conservation status and develop policies to better conserve this species that are scientifically informed. This research utilizes field surveys and herbarium specimens to investigate the natural history of the species. Additionally, I will use a genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) approach to generate genomic data for use in population genetics analyses. By employing iPyrad and packages in the R statistical computing software to synthesize these data, I will gain insight into gene flow and the genetic stability of these metapopulations. Ultimately, my research will provide an updated, scientifically-backed conservation status assessment of C. latifolium in Pennsylvania. This project will combine rare plant survey protocols with the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program and genetic work at Bucknell University to address broad conservation questions.

1 - Bucknell University, Biology, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, 17837, United States
2 - Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PO Box 8552, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-8552, USA

Keywords:
river oats
rare species
population genomics
conservation.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Population Genetics/Genomics Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Thursday, July 30th, 2020
Time: 5:00 PM Time and date to be determined
Number: PPG002
Abstract ID:230
Candidate for Awards:None