Publication Date
5-4-2025
Description
Conservation of rare species often relies on the delineation of management units and genomic tools can now be applied for this purpose. However, this is not as common on a local scale, where populations are often small and fragmented, despite the utility of informing conservation and management practice at the regional level. We use a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach to assess the perennial riparian plant species Baptisia australis (Fabaceae) in Pennsylvania, where the taxon is at the edge of its natural distribution and considered threatened. In this system, we investigate whether sampled subpopulations exhibit genetic structure. We find that genetic structure largely aligns with the waterways that were sampled, with five genetic clusters, one for each of three waterways and two additional clusters along a fourth waterway. This work directly addresses conservation priorities in the state and informs delineation of management units that will be used in conservation practices.
Journal
Natural Areas Journal
Volume
45
Issue
2
First Page
124
Last Page
136
Department
Biology
Link to Published Version
https://bioone.org/journals/natural-areas-journal/volume-45/issue-2/2162-4399-45.2.8/Genomic-Structure-Among-Populations-of-a-Regionally-Rare-Perennial-Plant/10.3375/2162-4399-45.2.8.full
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3375/2162-4399-45.2.8
Recommended Citation
Moore, C.L., A.J. McDonnell, S. Schuette, C.T. Martine. 2025. Genomic structure among populations of a regionally rare perennial plant indicates the need for reevaluation of management units. Natural Areas Journal 45:124-136.
Included in
Biodiversity Commons, Botany Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Genetics Commons, Genomics Commons, Integrative Biology Commons, Molecular Genetics Commons, Other Genetics and Genomics Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons