More Information

List of Presentations

Bays and Bayous Symposium, Mobile AL on Nov 29th, 2018

Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, Mobile AL on Nov 6th, 2019

Society of Wetland Scientists (virtual) on June 3rd, 2021

Abstract:

The Gulf of Mexico is experiencing a dramatic increase in salt marsh restoration, resulting in unmet demand for nursery plants in Mississippi and Alabama. However, a lack of information on population genetics impedes knowing what is needed to maintain future diversity. This study characterizes genetic diversity, using modern molecular techniques, among S. alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) and J. roemerianus (black needlerush) populations along the northern Gulf Coast between Lake Pontchartrain, LA and Pensacola, FL.

Field collections of 25 discrete plugs of each species were made at 10 stations; these included marshes at 1 site in FL, 2 sites in AL, 6 sites in MS, and 1 site in LA.

For each collection location, plants were analyzed for genetic characterization using microsatellite markers. We genotyped 21 microsatellite loci in Spartina and 18 in Juncus. In both species, allelic richness and heterozygosity varied significantly among the 10 populations examined, with sites in MS generally having higher genetic diversity than LA and AL. In contrast, linkage disequilibrium suggested variation in effective population sizes among sites. This finding is consistent with varying numbers of clonal lineages segregating in these populations, but geographic patterns differed between the two species..

Knowing the genetic makeup of the various populations will allow appropriate selection to enhance diversity. Future restoration projects can be composed of appropriate germplasm lines that when planted together have a long-term benefit. This information will be provided to local restoration and plant nursery businesses to improve access to appropriately sourced plant material for improved restoration outcomes.