Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Rittgers, Amber [1], Eserman, Lauren [2].

Assessment of the Resiliency and Status of Endangered Apalachicola Rosemary, Conradina glabra Shinners (Lamiacae).

Apalachicola rosemary (Conradina glabra Shinners) is a rare perennial shrub endemic to the xeric sandhills east of the Apalachicola River in Liberty County, Florida. Conradina glabra is federally endangered due to habitat destruction and modification resulting from incompatible forest management practices that further impact this species’ narrow distribution. Currently, there is only one known 1,000 ha area population recorded. To assist species recovery, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Atlanta Botanical Garden aim to maintain a reproductive and genetically diverse population. One outstanding question is whether C. glabra is primarily clonal or is reproducing sexually in situ. Using population genetic analysis, we are testing for clonality and the extent and structure of genetic diversity in C. glabra so that targeted conservation efforts may be applied. Individual plant samples (n=745) were collected from 15 restoration zones in Torreya State Park utilizing two sampling schemes in March of 2019. We isolated genetic material from each sample for genotyping by RADSeq technique. Future analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) may provide insight on C. glabra’s genetic diversity and species resiliency by characterizing variation and clonality.

1 - University of North Georgia, Biology, 3820 Mundy Mill Rd, Oakwood, GA, 30566, USA
2 - Atlanta Botanical Garden, Conservation & Research, 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309, United States

Keywords:
population genetics
conservation.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Conservation Biology Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2020
Time: 5:00 PM Time and date to be determined
Number: PCB009
Abstract ID:711
Candidate for Awards:None