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Genetic differentiation in natural populations of a Keystone Bunchgrass (Aristida stricta) across its native range

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Abstract

Aristida stricta Michx. (Poaceae) is a perennial bunchgrass native to the Southeastern Coastal Plain of North America where it is a keystone species in the longleaf pine savannas and slash pine flatwoods from southeastern North Carolina to Florida, and westward to the coast of Mississippi. We examined genetic relationships within and among ten populations of A. stricta by using eight inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers to generate band frequency data for 32 individuals from each sampled population. An analysis of molecular variance showed that 38% of the variation resided among populations while 62% was attributable to variation within populations. Grouping the populations by habitat or by geographic location did not show significant differentiation between the groups. Overall, pair-wise geographic and genetic distances were not correlated. Data indicate that while individuals within each population are genetically diverse, there seemingly are barriers to gene flow across populations leading to their divergence. Each population contains several exclusive loci suggesting that limited gene flow and/or genetic drift are likely leading to this pattern of localization. Our results, coupled with those of the previous studies that presented evidence for local adaptation and phenotypic differences among populations, suggest that there is sufficient differentiation among populations of this species to warrant: (1) maintenance of the existing genetic diversity at individual sites, and (2) use of local seed and plant sources for conservation projects.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by grant R-003-07 from the Florida Wildflower Foundation. We are grateful to the following individuals for providing permits, collecting leaf tissue, and/or providing technical or logistical assistance: Susan Cohen (Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, NC); Allynne Askins (Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, SC); Kay Kirkman and Melanie Keiser (Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, GA); Rob Sutter and Chuck Martin (The Nature Conservancy, Moody Forest Natural Area, GA); Stephen Lee and Mark Garner (Conecuh National Forest, AL); Durwin Carter (Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, MS); Mike Keys (St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, FL); Chris Matson (The Nature Conservancy, Disney Wildlife Preserve, FL); Brian Scofield and Mike Kemmerer (Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area, FL); Rebecca Riddle (UF NFREC, Quincy, FL), and Fé Almira (UF, Gainesville, FL). Doria Gordon (The Nature Conservancy, University of Florida) contributed invaluably to the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Florida NFREC, Quincy, FL, 32351, USA

    Jyotsna Sharma, Sheeja George & Jeff Norcini

  2. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Hector Perez

  3. Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA

    Jyotsna Sharma & Madhav Pandey

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  1. Jyotsna Sharma
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  2. Sheeja George
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  3. Madhav Pandey
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  4. Jeff Norcini
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Correspondence to Jyotsna Sharma.

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Sharma, J., George, S., Pandey, M. et al. Genetic differentiation in natural populations of a Keystone Bunchgrass (Aristida stricta) across its native range. Genetica 139, 261–271 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10709-010-9545-x

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