Abstract Detail

Ecology

Elam, Robert [1], Culley, Theresa [1].

Investigating the Population Genetics and Mating System of the Invasive Liana Euonymus fortunei.

Many of the invasive plant species seen today were first introduced for horticultural purposes. In some cases, even with clear evidence that a species has become invasive, certain species continue to be profitable for nurseries and landscapers and are still readily available for sale to the public. One such species that is having an effect on forests in Ohio is Euonymus fortunei or Wintercreeper. With more than 50 horticultural varieties of this species available, it is possible that some of these cultivars are more fecund than others. It is also possible that these more fecund cultivars could hybridize in the wild, masking the genetic load of progeny. This research focuses on the population and generational genetics of Wintercreeper found in and around the southwest Ohio area. To test the population genetics of Wintercreeper in the Cincinnati region, samples have been collected from several different parks and private residences in southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. After DNA extraction, PCR using 10 previously developed primers, and fragmentation analysis, these samples will be compared to samples of known horticultural varieties of Wintercreeper obtained from nurseries and landscaping to see if there are any specific cultivars escaping into the wild more frequently than others. This analysis has shown that among the 120 samples from different regions of the Cincinnati area, there is greater than 95% genetic similarity between all samples using the 10 previously developed primers. To better understand generation genetics, vegetative and fruit samples other 30 fruiting individuals have been collected from the Clifton, OH area. After analyzing maternal and progeny tissue and comparing these findings to known horticultural varieties we will look for outcrossing and hybridization between different cultivars by comparing progeny to maternal tissue. If the findings of this study show that certain cultivars are more fecund and are escaping cultivation at a greater rate than others this evidence could be used to limit the sale of these particular cultivars. Although less fecund cultivars could still potentially become invasive due to hybridization, this could prove as a first step in help managing the problem.

1 - 318 College Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, United States

Keywords:
ecology
genetics
Invasives
E. fortunei.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Ecology Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEC020
Abstract ID:727
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Graduate Student Poster