Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Mendoza Lopez, Maria Elena [1], Nieto Silva, Gabriela del Rocio [2], Ainouche, Malika [3], Siqueiros Delgado, Maria Elena [1].

Spartina Schreb. in Mexico.

Spartina is a member of the grass family (Poaceae), subfamily Chlorioideae. It is characterized by C4 photosynthesis, high tolerance to salt, extraordinary capacity of hybridization and a strong system of rhizomes that make it an efficient colonizer and invader. Spartina is a monophyletic group including about 15 worldwide species, mostly native to America, except Spartina maritima and S. anglica native to the Old World. Spartina species have been extensively studied from the ecological and evolutionary points of view as they play an important role in coastal or inland saltmarsh communities and as species introduction and interspecific hybrids or allopolyploids are involved in biological invasion. However this genus is particularly poorly investigated in Mexico where six species have been reported: S. alterniflora, S. cynosuroides, S. foliosa, S. gracilis, S. patens and S. spartinae. Our study aims to carry out a taxonomic revision of the genus Spartina in Mexico, through an exhaustive fieldwork, herbarium examination, and molecular analyses, in order to recognize the actual number of species, to establish if hybridization is present, and to determine the presence of introduced species.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes, Biologia, Avenida Universidad 940, Ciudad Universitaria , Aguascalientes, Ags, 20131, Mexico
2 - Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes, Ciencias Agronomicas, Avenida Universidad 940, Ciudad Universitaria, Aguascalientes, Ags, 20131, México
3 - LABORATOIRE DE BOTANIQUE, CAMPUS SCIENTIFIQUE BEAULIEU, RENNES, CEDEX, F-35042, France

Keywords:
Spartina
Mexico
taxonomic revision.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY067
Abstract ID:742
Candidate for Awards:None