| Abstract Detail
Population Genetics Stanford, Alice [1], Goodings, Charnise [2]. Low Genetic Diversity and Conservation in Zanthoxylum thomasianum (Rutaceae). During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Caribbean flora were devastated by widespread land clearing for the cultivation of sugar cane, cotton, and other plantation crops. Zanthoxylum thomasianum (Krug & Urb.) P. Wilson, “St. Thomas prickly-ash”, is an endangered plant endemic to the tropical dry forest of Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. John. The genetic variability of all St. John populations was analyzed as part of developing a management plan for Virgin Islands National Park. RAPD PCR DNA fingerprinting revealed a mean population heterozygosity (Hp) of 0.0971. Mean population polymorphism (Pp) was 26.7 %. Overall, the genetic diversity of St. John’s Zanthoxylum thomasianum populations appears to be low. The smallest of the five populations has a relatively high level of diversity and should be given priority in conservation planning. The low level of diversity seen in larger populations suggests that intensive management is needed to ensure species survival.
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1 - University of the Virgin Islands, Division of Science and Mathematics, 2 John Brewers Bay, St Thomas, Virgin Islands, 00802, USVI 2 - University of the Virgin Islands, Science and Mathematics, 2 John Brewers Bay, St Thomas, VI, 00802
Keywords: population genetics Rutaceae endangered Virgin Islands.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics Session: P Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007 Time: 8:00 AM Number: P76002 Abstract ID:799 |