Abstract Detail

Genetics

Warner, Monica [1], Theiss, Kathryn [1], Kephart, Susan [2].

Evaluating species differentiation in endangered rush lilies using population genetics.

The taxonomy of the closely-related rush lilies (Hastingisa; Agavoideae; Asparagaceae) has recently been a point of contention. Morphological comparisons and reproductive biology studies have led to contradictory conclusions on the taxonomic status of the threatened Hastingsia atropurpurea and H. bracteosa. Becking (1986) split H. atropurpurea from H. bracteosa based on morphological distinctiveness and lack of hybridization. Lang and Zika (1997) argued any distinctions were insignificant and therefore, separation of the taxa, unjustified. Our objective was to explore their species differentiation at the population genetic and morphological levels. We collected leaf tissue samples of a total of 160 of individuals from the two taxa in eight populations in southwestern Oregon. All populations showed sympatry with H. serpentinicola, but we did not find populations that were sympatric for our two taxa of interest. Genomic DNA was extracted and we genotyped the samples using 12 microsatellite loci previously developed for the sister genus Camassia. We analyzed the results for genetic structure across the putative taxa and compared this to morphological data. We also looked for evidence of gene flow between populations, although we found very little morphological evidence of hybridization. We hope that these analyses will help land managers evaluate the connectivity of the different populations and make appropriate conservation decisions. Future studies include a phylogenomic study of both Hastingsia and its sister genus Camassia to evaluate the evolutionary relationships among these taxa.

1 - California State University Dominguez Hills, Biology, 1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA, 90747, USA
2 - Willamette University, Biology, 900 State St., Salem, OR, 97301, USA

Keywords:
integrative taxonomy
Hastingsia
Asparagaceae
Microsatellite.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 11, Genetics
Location: 105/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 4:30 PM
Number: 11012
Abstract ID:497
Candidate for Awards:None