Abstract Detail

Systematics Section

Bieber, Amanda [1], Wang H., Chak [3], Bolin, Jay F. [2], Tennakoon, Kushan U. [3], Musselman, Lytton John [4].

Molecular identification of potentially invasive Cuscuta in Brunei Darussalam.

A previously unidentified species of the parasitic plant genus Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) is commonly found parasitizing plants in disturbed areas along roadsides in Brunei Darussalam, and has the potential to become a noxious weed. The plant is thought to spread by means of perennation, where new shoots form from thick coils at the end of the life cycle. Several populations have been observed since March 2008 and produced no flowers and thus, this apparently introduced species could not be identified. DNA sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast intron trnL-F was generated from silica-dried plant tissue. The Basic Local Alignment and Search Tool indicated that the introduced plant is closely related to Cuscuta australis. This species is widespread throughout Southeast Asia and is known to attack crops. One population in flower was subsequently discovered in November 2009, and has been tentatively identified as Cuscuta australis. Further phylogenetic study will be used to identify additional populations of Cuscuta in Brunei and infer the possible source of introduction. A recently formed collaboration between Old Dominion University and the University of Brunei Darussalam will provide further research opportunities of the genetic diversity of Cuscuta.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Old Dominion University, Biology, 845 W. 43rd St., Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA
2 - Smithsonian Institution, Botany, DC, USA
3 - University of Brunei Darussalam, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jalan Tungku Link,, Gadong, BE 1410, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM.
4 - Old Dominion University, Department of Biological Sciences, Mills Godwin Building, 45th Street, Norfolk, Virginia, 23529-0266, USA

Keywords:
Cuscuta
Convolvulaceae
nuclear ribosomal ITS
trnL-F
perennation.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY017
Abstract ID:218