ARS | Publication request: Hybridization between red elm (Ulmus rubra Muhl.) and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) confirmed using microsatellite markers

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 1, 2007
Publication Date: July 1, 2007
Repository URL: http://www.2007.BotanyConference.org/engine/search/index.php
Citation: Zalapa, J.E., Brunet, J., Guries, R.P. 2007. Hybridization between red elm (Ulmus rubra Muhl.) and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) confirmed using microsatellite markers [abstract]. Botany and Plant Biology 2007 Joint Congress, July 7-11, 2007, Chicago, Illinois. Paper No. 1937.

Technical Abstract: Ulmus pumila (Siberian elm) is an invasive elm species, non-native to the United States, which hybridizes with Ulmus rubra (red elm), a U.S. native. In order to study the population genetic structure of each species and the genetic hybridization patterns between the two species, we developed fifteen primer pairs of microsatellite loci in U. rubra and tested their cross-amplification in U. pumila original accessions from China housed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Elm Arboretum. All fifteen primers amplified in both species, eleven of which possessed species-specific alleles. Eight loci were polymorphic in U. pumila and eight in U. rubra, each with 2 to 8 alleles per locus. In addition, five primer pairs previously developed in U. laevis and U. carpinifolia (syn. U. minor) cross-amplified and showed polymorphic loci in U. pumila and/or U. rubra. First, we used the species-specific alleles at six microsatellite loci to determine the genetic basis of hybrids and parental populations previously determined solely by their phenotypes. Second, we used the polymorphic microsatellite loci to examine the genetic structure of 5 U. rubra populations, 3 populations of U. pumila, and 6 of their putative hybrids in Wisconsin. Finally, we compared the genetic diversity levels of the hybrid swarms to their parental species. We aim to determine whether U. rubra is being assimilated genetically by U. pumila via this hybridization process. Results will help the development of conservation strategies for the long-term conservation of U. rubra.