Analysis of Genetic Relatedness of Lonicera maackii within the Greater Cincinnati Area using Microsatellite Loci
Start Date
2023 2:15 PM
Location
Alter Hall Poster Session 1 - 2nd floor
Abstract
Lonicera maackii, Amur Honeysuckle, is a species of invasive shrub that has had disastrous ecological consequences on native forest ecosystems by impacting the survival rates of native flora and fauna. Originating from Asia, L. maackii was introduced into the United States as an ornamental shrub in the Eastern United States but has since spread farther westward. Understanding the genomic foundation of L. maackii will help inform the techniques used to control the plant by revealing potential vulnerabilities and strengths. Little is known about the genetic sequences of L. maackii within the greater Cincinnati Ohio area, although the genetics have been studied in nearby areas of Darke, Preble, and Butler counties in OH. The current study used variations in lengths of microsatellite markers as indicators of genetic diversity. Microsatellites are areas of DNA that contain short repeats; repeat numbers typically vary in a population such that different individuals can have different lengths of a particular microsatellite sequence. From each leaf sample, we amplified three microsatellite loci with fluorescent tags to facilitate exact sizing of each locus. The number of alleles per loci ranged from 11 to 15. The study was conducted on 45 individuals from seven different populations. DNA gel electrophoresis showed that the same fragments within various plants from different regions were distinguishable by length. This study demonstrated the genetic diversity within L. maackii plants from around the greater Cincinnati area. The diversity of the plants is ecologically significant and important in understanding the dispersal patterns of L. maackii. To better understand the plant’s dispersal patterns, future projects should further investigate the extent to which humans opposed to animals contribute to the spread within the greater Cincinnati area.
Analysis of Genetic Relatedness of Lonicera maackii within the Greater Cincinnati Area using Microsatellite Loci
Alter Hall Poster Session 1 - 2nd floor
Lonicera maackii, Amur Honeysuckle, is a species of invasive shrub that has had disastrous ecological consequences on native forest ecosystems by impacting the survival rates of native flora and fauna. Originating from Asia, L. maackii was introduced into the United States as an ornamental shrub in the Eastern United States but has since spread farther westward. Understanding the genomic foundation of L. maackii will help inform the techniques used to control the plant by revealing potential vulnerabilities and strengths. Little is known about the genetic sequences of L. maackii within the greater Cincinnati Ohio area, although the genetics have been studied in nearby areas of Darke, Preble, and Butler counties in OH. The current study used variations in lengths of microsatellite markers as indicators of genetic diversity. Microsatellites are areas of DNA that contain short repeats; repeat numbers typically vary in a population such that different individuals can have different lengths of a particular microsatellite sequence. From each leaf sample, we amplified three microsatellite loci with fluorescent tags to facilitate exact sizing of each locus. The number of alleles per loci ranged from 11 to 15. The study was conducted on 45 individuals from seven different populations. DNA gel electrophoresis showed that the same fragments within various plants from different regions were distinguishable by length. This study demonstrated the genetic diversity within L. maackii plants from around the greater Cincinnati area. The diversity of the plants is ecologically significant and important in understanding the dispersal patterns of L. maackii. To better understand the plant’s dispersal patterns, future projects should further investigate the extent to which humans opposed to animals contribute to the spread within the greater Cincinnati area.
