Abstract Detail



Conservation Biology

Moore, Cheyenne [1], McDonnell, Angela [2], Schuette, Scott [3], Martine, Christopher [4].

Conservation and population genomics of Pennsylvania Baptisia australis var. australis (Fabaceae).

The perennial wildflower, Baptisia australis var. australis (L.) R. Br. is found along only four waterways in Pennsylvania: the Allegheny River, Youghiogheny River, Clarion River, and Red Bank Creek. Because of its limited distribution and small number of extant populations, B. australis var. australis is considered state-threatened in Pennsylvania. In addition, the riparian prairie habitat that Pennsylvania Baptisia australis var. australis is restricted to is also in decline and considered vulnerable in the state. Because of conservation concerns for Baptisia australis var. australis in Pennsylvania, gaining insights into the natural history and genetics of the taxon is useful for conservation practitioners. This project seeks to determine the genetic structure and health of known native populations and apply that information to understanding riparian gene flow, as well as establishing conservation units. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was used to collect genomic data for use in population genetics analyses. My work synthesizes these data to gain insight into the metapopulation dynamics of this riparian system and examine patterns of gene flow. We found that there are three genetic groups of Baptisia australis var. australis in Pennsylvania, with one of these showing internal genetic structure. This finding can be applied to management units for the taxon. Some Pennsylvania populations are becoming increasingly isolated as well as dwindling in population size, making now an ideal time to collect seeds and facilitate gene flow while levels of inbreeding are relatively low. My research will inform the conservation status of Baptisia australis var. australis in Pennsylvania, as well as clarify lingering uncertainties about gene flow in riparian plant populations.


Related Links:
Williams lab website UTK
Paulo E. Oliveira information


1 - Bucknell University, Biology, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, United States
2 - Chicago Botanic Garden, Science Dept., 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, 60022, United States
3 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, 800 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222.0, United States
4 - Bucknell University, Biology, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, 17837, United States

Keywords:
Fabaceae
conservation
Baptisia
riparian
GBS
population genomics
rare species
Pennsylvania
natural history
metapopulation
Natural Heritage Program.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: CB2, Conservation Biology 2
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2020
Time: 1:00 PM
Number: CB2003
Abstract ID:254
Candidate for Awards:None


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