The objective of this project is to map variation across populations of a rare, culturally and economically important data-sensitive species, providing crucial data to support the conservation of this native, threatened plant. This research will be the first to compare the genetic signatures and morphology of wild populations in New England with populations in other parts of the species’ native range.
Genetic analyses of rare and native plant species are a critical first step towards mitigating the ongoing rapid loss of global biodiversity. Understanding population genetics allows botanists to identify distinct lineages for conservation priority. This research will contribute to developing strategies for in situ conservation of genetic resources specific to populations of the study species in New England, where it is listed as a species of Special Concern in Connecticut (S2, SC) and Massachusetts (S3, SC), included on the Rare and Uncommon Native Vascular Plant List in Vermont (S3), listed as Threatened in New Hampshire (S2) and as Endangered in Rhode Island (S1) and Maine (S3).
Genetic sequencing of the study species has been done to identify important differences in genetic diversity and structure between wild and cultivated populations across the species range and in commercial cultivation. Analyses have found genetic variation not just between wild and cultivated populations, but also between wild populations in a single region. No genetic data exists contextualizing the relatedness and origins of New England populations of the species, presenting challenges to the development of a robust conservation strategy. Further, past research indicates phenotypic divergences in response to population declines in northern populations as compared to Appalachian and midwestern populations, highlighting the need for genetic analyses to better understand these morphological differences.
Extensive wild collection of the study species in New England in the 16th and 17th centuries likely contributed to its rarity on the landscape today. This history could lead to inbreeding depression or Allee effects, both which have significant conservation implications. Past studies also raise questions about the implications of introducing outside plant material to remaining native populations, citing the potential erosion of genetic diversity in distinct lineages that are needed for successful germplasm conservation. Species with long histories of human use often bear genetic signatures of anthropogenic dispersal, and studying the genetic relatedness of New England wild populations of the study species has the potential to shed light on the role that anthropogenic dispersal has played in its range expansion post-glaciation, contributing to a growing phylogeography and helping to identify wild populations of priority for germplasm conservation.