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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #288135
Title: Genetic variation in the USDA Chamaecrista fasciculata collection

Author
item SINGER, SUSAN - Carleton College
item WETTBERG, ERIC VON - Florida International University
item Kisha, Theodore

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/2012
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Genetic diversity of 32 accessions of Chamaecrista fasciculata was characterized using molecular markers and variation in flowering time. We find that the collection represents at least two geographic groupings, which we suspect diverged when geographically separated at the last glacial maximum. Furthermore, we find earlier flowering in more northern ascensions. Samples from the Southern and Eastern ends of the range are underrepresented, and should be considered for future collection and addition to the collection.

Technical Abstract: Germplasm collections serve as critical repositories of genetic variation. Characterizing genetic diversity in existing collections is necessary to maximize their utility and to guide future collecting efforts. We have used AFLP markers to characterize genetic variation in the USDA germplasm collection of Chamaecrista fasiculata, a widespread North American legume that has been the focus of studies on the evolution of nodulation with rhizobial bacteria and local adaptation. Furthermore, we have characterized variation in flowering time in the collection under controlled conditions. We find that the collection represents at least two geographic groupings, which we suspect diverged when geographically separated at the last glacial maximum. Furthermore, we find earlier flowering in more northern ascensions. Samples from the Southern and Eastern ends of the range are underrepresented. Future collection from those regions will help clarify phylogeographic patterns and relationships with closely related species of Chamaecrista.