Abstract Detail

Population Genetics/Genomics

Joines, Jason Paul [1], Cooper, Elizabeth A [2], DeWalt, Saara J [3], Walker, Joan L [4].

Population genomics and local adaptation in three herbaceous perennials associated with longleaf pine savanna.

Genetic differentiation of plant populations may result from either neutral processes or from adaptation to local environments. Understanding the extent to which local adaptation drives genetic differentiation, and identifying which environmental factors local adaptation is responding to, can be critical to the success or failure of ecosystem restorations. Restoration of the herbaceous layer associated with the longleaf pine savanna ecosystem defined by the critically endangered tree Pinus palustris has become a high conservation priority in the southeastern United States. We investigated genetic differentiation and the extent of local adaption in three herbaceous species associated with longleaf pine savanna: Lespedeza capitata, Solidago odora, and Tephrosia virginiana. We used RADseq to genotype 35 individuals from 9 populations of L. capitata, 35 individuals from 8 populations of S. odora, and 46 individuals from 12 populations of T. virginiana. We then used a landscape genomics approach to assess the relative contributions of local adaptation vs neutral processes to population genetic differentiation, and to identify environmental factors associated with local adaptation. Geographic distance among populations accounted for most genetic differentiation. However, we also identified dozens of potentially adaptive loci associated with differences in precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture. To maximize the chance of sucess, this potentially adaptive variation should be accounted for in restoration efforts.

1 - Clemson University, Biological Sciences, Clemson, SC, United States
2 - University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Bioinformatics and Genomics, Charlotte, NC
3 - Clemson University, Biological Sciences, Clemson, SC
4 - U.S. Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Clemson, SC

Keywords:
landscape genomics
population genomics
Local adaptation
longleaf pine.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: PGG4005
Abstract ID:791
Candidate for Awards:None