Population Genetic Study Pima Pineapple Cactus (Coryphantha robustispina var. robustispinat) Phoenix Area Office

The two conflicting morphometric studies highlight the importance for population genetic studies in these taxa. Because morphological and phylogenetic variation is ultimately the result of variation in DNA, studies such as Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and Intersimple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs) should allow for an interpretation that can be assessed in conjunction with morphometric analyses. Both SSRs and ISSRs are extremely powerful methods capable of resolving minute genetic differences between individuals and populations. Indeed, both methods rely on the presence and distribution of strings of tandem-repeated DNA sequences (such as the motif “GA”), which may be repeated many times. The purpose of this grant is to: 1) Compare microsatellite and ISSR methodologies and determine the best and most cost effective method for genetic study in Coryphantha and related cacti; 2) Analyze microsatellite and ISSR methodologies in conjunction with previously published morphological data for Coryphantha robustispina var. robustispina and compare results; 3) Describe the taxonomic relationships at the subspecific level for the Coryphantha robustispina complex.



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Linda Howell Agreement Specialist Phone 623-773-6283 Phoenix Area Office