Abstract Detail

Population Genetics/Genomics

Mihalic, Samantha [1], McElwee-Adame, Alexandra [2], Gonzalez Elizondo, Socorro [3], Flores-Renteria, Lluvia [4].

Application of molecular and morphological markers reveal population substructuring within the widely distributed A. xalapensis of MexicoBy Samantha Mihalic, Alexandra McElwee-Adame, M. Socorro González-Elizondo, Lluvia Flores-Renteria.

Arbutus is a genus in the family Ericaceae (subfamily: Arbutoideae) with at least ten species distributed in North America. Several new species have been recognized, thought to be varieties or synonyms of Arbutus xalapensis, ranging from Texas, New Mexico, along the Pacific coast of Mexico and as far down as Nicaruaga. Because of its wide distribution occupying several ecological niches and its morphological variation, some authors suggest this species may be delimited further. Moreover, species delimitation in the genus has been obscured by incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization, requiring genomic analysis in order to resolve these questions. No genetic studies exist assessing the species delimitation in A. xalapensis and its population structure. In this study we assess the species boundaries in A. xalapensis and explore the population structure of this species using molecular markers and applying bioinformatics and morphological data. We collected leaf material throughout the distribution of A. xalapensis in Mexico. DNA will be extracted from all possible samples in order to represent the species’ geographic range and sequence in order to obtain single nucleotide polymorphisms, or small fractions of the genome. STRUCTURE and DAPC analyses will be used in order to find population genetic structure and show clusters based on genetic distance. STRUCTURE can be used to show genetic data alongside the geographic range in order to compare similarities between samples. We will also be looking at the morphological differences between the two ranges, as the branching patterns and trichome data differ, allowing us to further delimit the species. This population genetic study coupled with morphological data will further our knowledge of A. xalapensis and potential new species of Arbutus.

1 - San Diego State University, 6545 Montezuma Road, San Diego, California, 92115, United States
2 - San Diego State University, Biology, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, United States
3 - Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integra, Durango, Mexico
4 - San Diego State University, 4319 Yale Ave, San Diego State University, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States

Keywords:
Arbutus xalapensis  
Population Genetics
genetic structure.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: PGG1, Population Genetics and Genomics I
Location: /
Date: Tuesday, July 20th, 2021
Time: 4:15 PM(EDT)
Number: PGG1006
Abstract ID:1137
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award