Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Rodrigues, Anuar [1], Stefanovic, Sasa [1].

Systematics and genetic diversity of the parasitic genus Conopholis (Orobanchaceae): Implications for classification and phylogeography.

Very little is known of the relationships among and between populations and species of Conopholis, one of approximately 20 holoparasitic genera in Orobanchaceae. Members of this small genus are obligate perennials with reduced vegetative morphology. In the most recent classification ofthe genus (1971), Conopholis is described as having two species, C. americana and C. alpina. Morphologically, this classification is based on a combination of presence/absence of characters, a number of quantitative traits, and the present day geographic isolation between taxa. In a recent molecular phylogenetic study of the genus, none of the analyses performed lend support to the strict subdivision of the genus into the two currently accepted species. Instead, the data provide strong support for three distinct lineages within the genus, each having various degrees of overlap with the two previously proposed taxa, thus lending support to the possibility of three species within Conopholis. We have since taken studies within this genus two-steps further. First, a fine-scale morphometric study was carried out to determine whether there are morphological features that corroborate these molecular results. Second, to investigate relationships between populations of C.americana s.l. (eastern North American species), we conducted phylogeographic and population level analyses to shed light on its genetic diversity and post glacial migration pattern(s). The findings of the morphological analyses supporting the recognition of three separate species within Conopholis as well as the population level differences within the eastern North American species will be discussed.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Biology, 3359 Mississauga Rd N, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada

Keywords:
parasitic plants
Orobanchaceae
Conopholis
holoparasitism.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 43
Location: Delaware C/Hyatt
Date: Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Time: 10:45 AM
Number: 43011
Abstract ID:481