Abstract Detail

Population Genetics

Hansen, Matthew [1], Roberts, Roland [2].

Catching a Ride on Interstate 95: Assessing gene flow among populations of the invasive Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) along the Eastern United States.

This study investigated the genetic structure of 688 individuals of Ailanthus altissima collected along two 1,000km transects between Massachusetts and North Carolina. Specifically, we assessed the extent of gene flow within and among populations of A. altissima found along Interstate 95 (I-95) and a parallel control transect established 100km west of I-95. The study employed the use of neutral genetic markers to ascertain the degree of population admixture. Preliminary analysis of data from nine microsatellite primers using the AMOVA feature of GenAlEx v6.41 indicated that most of the variation was present within populations (96% within populations along I-95, 91% within control populations). GenAlEx was also used to evaluate the extent of differentiation, visualized by F_ST, among the sampled populations. The populations sampled along I-95 displayed less differentiation (F_ST 0.049) compared to the control populations (F_ST 0.081). Furthermore, analysis of population composition using Structure v2.3.3 indicated that individuals along I-95 constitute two genetic units whereas individuals along the control comprise nine genetic units.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Towson University, Biological Sciences, 341 Smith Hall, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, 21252, United States
2 - TOWSON UNIVERSITY, 341 SMITH HALL, 8000 YORK RD, TOWSON, MD, 21252, USA

Keywords:
Ailanthus altissima
microsatellites
invasion
population genetics.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 28
Location: Delaware B/Hyatt
Date: Tuesday, July 10th, 2012
Time: 11:30 AM
Number: 28012
Abstract ID:373