Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Ehardt, Cassie [1], Gibson, J Phil [2].

Seedbed Environment and Microbiome Conflict in Seaside Alder (ALnus maritima, Betulaceae).

Seaside alder (Alnus maritima, Betulaceae) is an extremely rare wetlands species restricted to three regional populations in Oklahoma, Georgia, and the Delmarva Peninsula. In all three areas, there is no recruitment of new individuals from seed which has resulted in declining population sizes in all areas despite production of numerous viable seeds and apparently open sites new trees to establish. To investigate why there is no recruitment from seed in Oklahoma populations, we tested seedbed and seed storage conditions in field sites at the Nature Conservancy Oka’ Yanahli Blue River Preserve in southern Oklahoma. Trials showed that failure of seedlings to establish was not due to seeds experiencing lethal cold temperatures in the soil nor absence of disturbance. There was an impact on establishment due to competitors. However, results unexpectedly found that the root microbiome, which is commonly associated with successful establishment in alders, may be an excessive carbon sink that hinders seedling survival

1 - University Of Oklahoma, Microbiology And Plant Biology, 770 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
2 - University Of Oklahoma, Department Of Zoology, University Of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA

Keywords:
Seed dormancy loss
microbiome
seed bank
Alnus.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Conservation Biology Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PCB011
Abstract ID:651
Candidate for Awards:None