Event Title
A Genetic Analysis of Native and Invasive Phragmites australis along Michigan's West Coast
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Biology, Biomedical Sciences
Mentor Information
Timothy Evans
Department
Biology
Location
Kirkhof Center KC18
Start Date
11-4-2012 9:00 AM
Keywords
Environment, Life Science
Abstract
Wetland habitats are increasingly threatened by invasive plant species, particularly common reed. Phragmites australis (common reed) consists of a native North American group with several genetic forms, and a non-native and highly invasive introduced group with a single genetic form. Little is known about the environmental factors that affect the distribution of either form of Phragmites, and it is difficult to differentiate between the two based on physical characteristics alone. Thus, the goals of this study are to: 1. determine the genetic composition of common reed populations along the west Michigan coast, 2. determine the current distribution of the exotic Phragmites, and 3. evaluate the importance of genotype in the distribution and abundance of the native common reed. Preliminary analyses indicate that nearly all populations of Phragmites in western Michigan are of the non-native genotype, with a single native genotype being found in the northern lower peninsula.
A Genetic Analysis of Native and Invasive Phragmites australis along Michigan's West Coast
Kirkhof Center KC18
Wetland habitats are increasingly threatened by invasive plant species, particularly common reed. Phragmites australis (common reed) consists of a native North American group with several genetic forms, and a non-native and highly invasive introduced group with a single genetic form. Little is known about the environmental factors that affect the distribution of either form of Phragmites, and it is difficult to differentiate between the two based on physical characteristics alone. Thus, the goals of this study are to: 1. determine the genetic composition of common reed populations along the west Michigan coast, 2. determine the current distribution of the exotic Phragmites, and 3. evaluate the importance of genotype in the distribution and abundance of the native common reed. Preliminary analyses indicate that nearly all populations of Phragmites in western Michigan are of the non-native genotype, with a single native genotype being found in the northern lower peninsula.