Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Backs, Janet [1], Ashley, Mary [1].

Using microsatellite analysis to assess viability of a rare, isolated oak: Quercus hinckleyi C.H.Mull.

In 1988, Quercus hinckleyi C.H. Mull. was listed as a federally and state of Texas threatened species. Its known range in the United States is limited to one county in West Texas. The species grows in an arid sub-tropical environment on dry limestone and sandstone slopes at approximately 1000-1350 m. elevation. Immediate threats to the relict populations in Texas have been defined as the low number of populations combined with few individuals, wildlife herbivory and insect predation and possible hybridization with other oak species. We used DNA microsatellite analysis to assess the genetic status of Q. hinckleyi. Our findings are based on genetic analysis of all known Q. hinckleyi plants and representative samples of putative hybridizing species. Among Q. hinckleyi samples analyzed from the three known populations in Texas, clonal reproduction was prevalent; among 70 ramets genotyped only seven genets existed. Thus the species is likely represented by fewer than a dozen distinct genotypes, at least in the U.S. Genets were not shared among sites. Conservation strategies may include hand pollination and translocation of genets among remaining populations. Results answer questions regarding reproduction, gene flow, hybridization and viability and will contribute to conservation management decisions for this species.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Illinois at Chicago, UIC Biological Sciences, M/C 066, 845 W. Taylor, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA

Keywords:
Quercus
threatened species
conservation
microsatellite DNA
hybridization.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 30
Location: Union C/Hyatt
Date: Tuesday, July 10th, 2012
Time: 10:45 AM
Number: 30003
Abstract ID:500