Population Genetics and Host Specificity of a Rare Parasitic Plant, Cuscuta harperi

<p><em>Cuscuta harperi</em> is a rare parasitic plant endemic to a small number of widely disjunct populations in Georgia and Alabama. It is a habitat-specialist, occurring on sandstone and granite outcrops within its limited range; it is also exhibits a high level of host specificity, parasitizing only a few select species. <em>C. harperi</em> is of conservation concern due to small population sizes and threats from habitat degradation.</p> <p>Here we develop genetic markers to address questions regarding population genetics of the species. We discuss the utility of microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms as molecular markers to evaluate genetic variability between individuals and across populations. We also investigate patterns of host selection in populations of <em>C. harperi</em> using greenhouse and field-based experiments.</p> <p>We failed to find variation in putative microsatellite markers and conclude that methods of SNP detection, such as targeted sequence capture, are likely to be superior for identification of polymorphisms in the genome of <em>C. harperi</em>. We also show that host selection by <em>C. harperi</em> is a result of active choice by seedlings and that there are additional environmental factors contributing to patterns of host use observed in natural populations. Finally, we discuss the design and implementation of a project that combines <em>in situ</em> and <em>ex situ</em> strategies for the conservation of the species.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Integrative Biology (MSIB)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2017

Author dc:creator

• Rogers, Brandy N

Contributors dc:contributor

• Thomas C. McElroy
• Paula C. Jackson

• Cuscuta harperi
• parasitic plant
• host-parasite interaction
• microsatellites
• sequence capture
• Biology
• Integrative Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/integrbiol_etd/18

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu:integrbiol_etd-1016