Moncada, K.M., N. J. Ehlke, G. J. Muehlbauer, C. C. Sheaffer, D. L. Wyse, and L. R. DeHaan. 2007. Genetic Variation in Three Native Plant Species across the State of Minnesota. Crop Sci 2007 47: 2379-2389.
Abstract
Restoration of native plant communities requires adapted germplasm; thus, information is needed to guide native seed collection and production. Analysis of genetic variation has potential to provide insight into diversity and relatedness of natural populations. Our objectives were to examine genetic diversity of native species in Minnesota to discover if variation is related to biomes or distance, and possibly to develop seed collection zones. Our study included prai- rie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea), and spotted joe-pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum). Using amplifi ed fragment length polymorphisms, we analyzed 100 samples from eight populations for prairie cordgrass, 152 samples from nine populations for purple prairie clover, and 127 samples from 10 populations for spotted joe-pye weed. We found moderate to high levels of genetic diversity within each species. Small populations were not necessarily lower in diversity than larger ones. Analysis of molecular variance results indicate clear population differentiation. However, rather than displaying geographic or ecological asso- ciations, the variation had discontinuous pat- terns. Therefore, we were not able to develop unambiguous recommendations for seed col- lection. We discuss the applicability of molecu- lar markers in detecting adaptive potential.