Plant Conservation Genetics

Workshop length: 2 days, January 10 & 11, 2012

Instructors: Mitchell McGlaughlin, Lisa Wallace, and Kaius Helenurm

Kaius Helenurm, PhD, Professor, University of South Dakota, specializes in molecular genetic variation in endemic and endangered plants. Most recently he has been working with fellow instructors on the role of isolation in species diversification; insights into dispersal and evolution of endemic Lotus from the California Channel Islands.
Mitchell McGlaughlin, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Northern Colorado and curator of the University of Northern Colorado (GREE) Herbarium. He specializes in Plant Systematics, Evolution, Phylogenetics, Population genetics, and Conservation Biology. Dr. McGlaughlin received his PhD from Claremont Graduate University/Rancho Ana Botanic Garden working with Dr. Helenurm on conservation and evolutionary genetic studies of plants endemic to the California Channel Islands.
Lisa Wallace, PhD, Assistant Professor and Herbarium Curator, Mississippi State University. Ms. Wallace specializes in conservation genetics and has worked on systematics and phylogeography of Schiedea globosa (Caryophyllaceae) on the Hawaiian Islands, and Conservation genetics of Channel Island Endemic plant species, including Lotus. She worked as a research Assistant Professor at the University of South Dakota with Dr. Helenurm until 2006.

Workshop content

Molecular genetic data have become important components of biological conservation. Whether used to examine the level of genetic diversity contained within a population, define units of conservation, clarify taxonomic uncertainty, or document extinction via hybridization, molecular genetic data provide vital information that cannot be obtained through other means. The importance and prevalence of genetic data to biological conservation is likely to increase as the technology of collecting these kinds of data becomes easier. Despite the widespread usage of genetic data across biology, there frequently exists an information gap between academic biologists conducting genetic research, land managers approving requests for collection permits, practitioners tasked with carrying out genetic- based management recommendations, and interested individuals trying to make sense out of what this all means in ecological, evolutionary, and conservation contexts.

In this workshop, we aim to bridge the gap between different skill sets and levels of training, so that all participants can gain a well-rounded understanding of the role of genetic data in plant conservation, and ecological and evolutionary research. We will cover all aspects of plant conservation genetics so that participants will gain an understanding of the entire process, from project initiation to interpretation of final results. The emphasis will be on understanding the relevance of genetic data to effective conservation and the long-term persistence of plant species. The workshop is open to all interested individuals, but is designed especially for land managers who are reviewing research permit requests and/or incorporating genetic information into management activities.

Topics to be covered

When and how are genetic data useful?
Basic genetics – DNA, cellular organization, genomes
Types of genetic data – DNA sequencing, microsatellites, allozymes, ISSRs, RAPDs, and new techniques
Analyses of genetic data
Measures of genetic diversity
Phylogenetics/taxonomic interpretations
Gene flow
Hybridization
Clonality
Species reintroductions
Ex-situ conservation
Evolutionary significant units (ESUs)
Sampling
Preparing/reviewing collection permit requests
Dissemination of results
Discussion