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Abstract Detail



Genetics Section

Fotinos, Tonya [1], Maschinski, Joyce [2], Von Wettberg, Eric [3].

Genetic structure of the Florida Key Tree Cactus, Pilosocereus robinii, using Restriction-site associated DNA sequencing.

Informative genetic markers are used as a proxy for traits of diversity or interest. For organisms without a reference genome, this usually entails a laborious discovery process. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are opening new possibilities by increasing the number of informative markers by an order of magnitude. Restriction Associated DNA (RAD) genotyping is a NGS method that can identify thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in non-model organisms and minimizes the discovery process. Rare plant conservation efforts must utilize current genetic methods to ensure the evolutionary potential of populations is preserved. One such effort involves the Key Tree Cactus, Pilosocereus robinii, which is an endangered columnar cactus native to the Florida Keys. The populations have precipitously declined over the past decade due to habitat loss and increasing soil salinity from rising sea levels and storm surge. Twenty individuals that are representative of both wild and extirpated cacti from the populations in the Keys were chosen for RAD sequencing.  Samples processed using the HindIII and the NotIII restriction enzymes produced 82,382,440 high quality reads used for genetic mapping, from which 5,265 SNPs were discovered. Genetic analysis revealed that the populations are closely related with low pairwise PhiPT values and only four significant differences. AMOVA indicated that 86% of the genetic variation was shared across the group and only 14% of the overall variation was restricted to a particular population (F=0.139, p=0.020). The populations also display evidence of inbreeding with all FIS estimates being positive and low genetic diversity. The putative clonal stand of cacti on Key Largo was shown to be composed of at least two individuals.  Our genetic analysis informs an ongoing reintroduction of P. robinii, providing insight into the current diversity of these imperiled plants.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - 7521 Millbrook Dr, Shreveport, LA, 71105, USA
2 - Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, CTPC, 10901 Old Cutler Road., Miami, FL, 33156, USA
3 - Florida International University, Biological Sciences, 11200 SW 8th St., OE 169, Miami, FL, 33199, United States

Keywords:
conservation
endangered species
Cactaceae
next generation sequencing.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 6
Location: Marlborough B/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 8:45 AM
Number: 6001
Abstract ID:715
Candidate for Awards:None


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