Abstract Detail

Systematics Section

Beck, James [1], Alexander, Patrick J. [2], Allphin, Loreen [3], Al-Shehbaz, Ihsan [4], Bailey, C. Donovan [2], Windham, Michael [1].

Microsatellites as tools for species delimitation and the diagnosis of polyploid hybrids in recently-diverged flowering plant groups; an example from Boechera (Brassicaceae).

Systematic studies of flowering plant genera and species complexes are often hampered by a lack of sequence divergence at commonly utilized DNA loci due to the relatively young age of many of these lineages. If the aim of the study is species delimitation rather than phylogeny reconstruction, the analysis of microsatellite variation is a quick, inexpensive, and computationally straightforward strategy. The key is the relatively low level of intra-group sequence divergence itself, which includes limited genetic change at microsatellite priming sites. Primers developed for a single exemplar species are therefore often amplifiable across much of the target group, and successful amplifications from herbarium specimen extractions are common due to the relatively small size of microsatellite fragments. Additionally, the set of discrete, multilocus character-states derived from these analyses are easily applicable to a range of species critera. Here we present results from a broad-scale microsatellite analyses of the genus Boechera (formerly part of Arabis), a group infamous for its taxonomic complexity. Microsatellite loci developed for two focal species proved to be broadly amplifiable and informative, both for delimiting diploid species and diagnosing the genomic constitution of hybrid individuals.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Duke University, Department of Biology, 139 Biological Sciences Building, PO Box 90338, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
2 - New Mexico State University, Department of Biology, Po Box 30001, Department 3Af, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88003-8001, USA
3 - Brigham Young University, Department of Plant and Animal Sciences, 275 Widtsoe Building, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
4 - Missouri Botanical Garden, Po Box 299, St Louis, Missouri, 63166-0299, USA

Keywords:
species delimitation
polyploidy
hybridization
microsatellites
Boechera
apomixis.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 38
Location: 555A/Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Time: 2:00 PM
Number: 38005
Abstract ID:324