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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #305318
Title: Living on the edge: disease, population decline and conservation efforts of the Florida torreya (Torreya taxifolia)"

Author
item SMITH, JASON - University Of Florida
item SPECTOR, TOVA - Us Fish And Wildlife Service
item DETERMANN, RON - Atlanta Botanical Gardens
item CRUSE-SANDERS, JENNY - Atlanta Botanical Gardens
item PRUNER, RAYA - Florida Park Service
item FRIEL, MARVIN - Florida Park Service
item O Donnell, Kerry
item BENTE, JOHN - Florida Park Service

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/18/2014
Publication Date: 5/18/2014
Citation: Smith, J.A., Spector, T., Determann, R., Cruse-Sanders, J., Pruner, R., Friel, M., O'Donnell, K., Bente, J. 2014. Living on the edge: disease, population decline and conservation efforts of the Florida torreya (Torreya taxifolia)" [abstract]. Florida Native Plant Society.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Florida torreya, Torreya taxifolia, has experienced a dramatic and precipitous population decline in its native habitat in ravines along the Apalachicola River over the past century. Recent studies have demonstrated that a novel fungal pathogen,Fusarium torreyae, is causing a severe canker and dieback that is decimating the remaining wild population, which is estimated to comprise fewer than 1500 individuals. In addition to high disease incidence, the average stem height was only 127 cm, and few seed bearing trees were observed. Efforts are underway to develop better methods to improve the health of the population in situ, propagate disease-free trees and expand an ex situ germplasm conservation program at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. In addition, studies to assess genetic diversity within the population are underway. Recommendations for future in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for this endangered conifer will be discussed.