Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in Pericopsis elata (Fabaceae) using a cost-efficient approach

in American Journal of Botany (2011)

Premise of the study : Microsatellite loci were developed in the endangered Pericopsis elata using a combination of low-cost procedures. Methods and Results : Microsatellite isolation was performed ... [more ▼]

Premise of the study : Microsatellite loci were developed in the endangered Pericopsis elata using a combination of low-cost procedures. Methods and Results : Microsatellite isolation was performed simultaneously on three distinct species through a newly available procedure that associates multiplex microsatellite enrichment and next-generation sequencing, allowing the rapid and low-cost development of microsatellite-enriched libraries through the use of a 1/32nd GS-FLX plate. Genotyping using M13-like label- ing in multiplexed reactions allowed additional cost savings. From 72 primers selected for initial screening, 21 positively amplified P. elata , and 11 showed polymorphism with two to 11 alleles per locus and a mean value of 5.4 alleles per locus. Conclusions : These microsatellite loci will be useful to further investigate the level of genetic variation within and between natural populations of P. elata in Africa. [less ▲]

A new lineage of lichenized basidiomycetes inferred from a two-gene phylogeny: the Lepidostromataceae with three species from the Tropics

in American Journal of Botany (2008), 95

Within-Population Genetic Structure And Clonal Diversity Of A Threatened Endemic Metallophyte, Viola Calaminaria (Violaceae)

in American Journal of Botany (2007), 94(5), 887-895

We studied the within-population genetic structure and the clonality extent of Viola calaminaria, a rare endemic species of calamine soils, by means of RAPD markers in two populations (one recent and one ... [more ▼]

We studied the within-population genetic structure and the clonality extent of Viola calaminaria, a rare endemic species of calamine soils, by means of RAPD markers in two populations (one recent and one ancient) with expected harsh and heterogeneous heavy-metal stress. At a very local scale (0.2 3 m), clonal propagation was detected in both populations, but the levels of clonal diversity were high (number of genets/number of ramets sampled ¼ 0.9 [recent] and 0.76 [ancient]) and the maximal observed extension of the clones was 0.4 m. This indicated that clonality is not, for the species, an important mode of propagation and that clonal growth cannot be interpreted as a strategy for propagating or perpetuating adapted genotypes under harsh ecological constraints. Spatial autocorrelations revealed a significant (P , 0.001) negative value of correlogram slope in the two populations even when a single individual per clone was considered (i.e., analysis at the genet level). We conclude that spatial genetic structure at a very local scale reflects limited gene flow due to restricted seed dispersal rather than variation in clonal pattern in response to environmental heterogeneity. At a larger scale (2–30 m), spatial autocorrelations revealed a positive (P , < 0.001) correlation at , 3 m and a random pattern at larger distances for the two populations. This suggested a patchy distribution of the genetically linked individuals associated with a disrupted pattern at a longer distance probably due to gene flow by pollen dispersal and a seed bank effect. The implications for the conservation of V. calaminaria are discussed. [less ▲]

Hybridization And Morphogenetic Variation In The Invasive Alien Fallopia (Polygonaceae) Complex In Belgium

in American Journal of Botany (2007), 94(11), 1900-1910

The invasive alien knotweeds, Fallopia spp. (Polygonaceae), are some of the most troublesome invasive species in Europe and North America. Invasive success in Fallopia may be enhanced by multiple ... [more ▼]

The invasive alien knotweeds, Fallopia spp. (Polygonaceae), are some of the most troublesome invasive species in Europe and North America. Invasive success in Fallopia may be enhanced by multiple hybridization events. We examined the pattern of hybridization and its evolutionary consequences in Belgium with a concerted analysis of ploidy levels (chromosome counts and flow cytometry), morphological variation, and genetic variation (RAPDs). At least four taxa with different ploidy levels were part of the pattern of invasion in Belgium. Hybrid F.3bohemica with various chromosome numbers restored the genotypic diversity that was lacking in the parental species. Hybrid genotypes were mainly assigned to a specific genetic pool and not to a mixture between the genetic pools of the putative parental species as would be expected for hybrids. Parental species and hexaploid hybrids differed significantly for a set of well-defined morphological characters, enabling future researchers to distinguish these taxa. On the basis of our results, the importance of hybridization has probably been underestimated in large parts of the adventive range of alien Fallopia species, pointing to the need for concerted molecular and morphological analyses in the study of the evolutionary consequences of hybridization. [less ▲]

Soil Seed Bank And Seed Dormancy In Wild Populations Of Lima Bean (Fabaceae): Considerations For In Situ And Ex Situ Conservation

in American Journal of Botany (2002), 89(10), 1644-1650