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.

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Apr 11th, 9:00 AM

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.