Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Cuscuta rostrata in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Disciplines
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Life Sciences | Population Biology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Cuscuta rostrata is a parasitic plant found at high-elevation locations in the Appalachian Mountains. Cuscuta rostrata populations range from West Virginia in the North to a few widely spaced populations in Georgia at its southernmost distribution. Our research aims to amplify variable microsatellite loci in C. rostrata and assess genetic differences across populations. We extracted DNA from multiple C. rostrata populations and tested microsatellite primers to evaluate their effectiveness in amplifying these loci via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We seek to optimize DNA amplification of these loci to determine if low genetic diversity is a threat to the small, isolated Georgia populations which may be particularly susceptible to climate change.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Joel Mcneal
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Cuscuta rostrata in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Cuscuta rostrata is a parasitic plant found at high-elevation locations in the Appalachian Mountains. Cuscuta rostrata populations range from West Virginia in the North to a few widely spaced populations in Georgia at its southernmost distribution. Our research aims to amplify variable microsatellite loci in C. rostrata and assess genetic differences across populations. We extracted DNA from multiple C. rostrata populations and tested microsatellite primers to evaluate their effectiveness in amplifying these loci via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We seek to optimize DNA amplification of these loci to determine if low genetic diversity is a threat to the small, isolated Georgia populations which may be particularly susceptible to climate change.