Abstract Detail
Ecological Section Crow , Taylor McLaughlin [1], Hufford, Kristina [1]. Improving marginal habitat restoration in Western rangelands: ecological genetic and landscape approaches to mountain mahogany shrubland reclamation. Restoration projects often rely on commercial seed stock that originates in different habitat. The relocation of plant populations may have few consequences for plant populations with little to no genetic differentiation. However, there is evidence that genetic variation between populations (ecotypes) have important implications for restoration and conservation. Establishing successful long-term vegetation requires that transplants are adapted to the restoration location. By discriminating between ecotypes, and testing species in various habitat we can inform best practice in the relocation of plant populations used for restoration. I am using a suite of lab and field experimental methods to create seed transfer zones for true mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus: Rosaceae). Local adaptation will be tested in four reciprocal transplant sites along the front-range region of New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming. Greenhouse common gardens are being used to test for edaphic effects and cold stratification differences between populations. Finally, molecular marker analyses will be used to help delineate genetic zones. The three data sets proposed will then be used in conjunction Geographic Information Software (GIS) to create seed transfer zones, and give restoration practitioners a tool for the successful restoration of true mountain mahogany shrublands.
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1 - University Of Wyoming - Ecosystem Science And Management, #3354, 1000 E University Ave, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
Keywords:
conservation genetics
Cercocarpus
Seed zone
local adaptation
population genetics.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Eyrie/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEC013
Abstract ID:697
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Graduate Student Poster | 