Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Vallez, John [1], Carlson, Ryan [2], Etterson, Julie [3], Gross, Briana [4].

Re-assessment of hybridization between the rare arctic relict Euphrasia hudsoniana and its invasive congener Euphrasia stricta.

In North America, relict arctic plant populations from the last glacial maximum persist in disjunct locations south of their normal range. These fringe populations may be particularly threatened by stressors associated with climate change like increased temperature and decreased water availability. In Minnesota, USA, several arctic relicts of conservation concern are restricted to the rocky coast immediately adjacent Lake Superior, where they comprise an ‘arctic-alpine’ community in restricted areas on the North Shore. One of these species, Euphrasia hudsoniana, is particularly vulnerable because it is increasingly challenged by an invasive Eurasian congener, Euphrasia stricta. A previous genetic study of E. hudsoniana showed that hybridization between the two species was rare, with gene flow mainly in the direction of E. stricta. However, ongoing surveys of E. hudsoniana populations in Minnesota have revealed an increase in the prevalence of E. stricta individuals in or near E. hudsoniana populations and an increasing number of individuals with intermediate morphology at some sites. We have conducted a new genetic assessment of interspecific hybridization, and results are consistent with a sharp increase in the rate of hybridization across a time span of less than 10 years. We discuss these findings in the context of climate change and possible mitigation strategies for maintaining these populations.

1 - University Of MN - Duluth, 110 Laurie St., 110 Laurie St., Duluth, MN, 55803, United States
2 - University Of Minnesota Duluth, Department of Biology, 207 Swenson Science Building, 1035 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
3 - University Of Minnesota Duluth, 207 Swenson Science Building, 1110 Kirby Drive, 207 Swenson Science Building, 1110 Kirby Drive, 1035 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812, United States
4 - University Of Minnesota Duluth, Department Of Biology, 207 Swenson Science Building, 1035 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812, United States

Keywords:
hybrid
Invasive
relict.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: CB1006
Abstract ID:796
Candidate for Awards:None