Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Forage and Range Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #153859
Title: DNA POLYMORPHISM AMONG MOUNTAIN BROMES OF WESTERN NORTH AMERICA

Author
item MASSA, ALICIA - WASHINGTON ST. UNIV.
item Larson, Steven

Submitted to: Native Plants Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2004
Publication Date: 4/1/2005
Citation: Massa, A., Larson, S.R. 2005. Dna polymorphism among mountain bromes of western north america. Native Plant Journal.

Interpretive Summary: The relationship of geographic origin and genetic identity was determined by DNA fingerprinting 25 mountain brome (Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn. sensu lato [Poaceae]) seed accessions that originate from widely dispersed sites throughout western North America. A high degree of genetic identity was detected within accessions, which probably reflects uniformity within natural populations. Moreover, four well-defined genetic groups encompassed all but five of these accessions. Samples from two of these groups had restricted geographic range. However, two other well-defined genetic groups had broad overlapping geographical ranges, which also included other genotypes. California produced the greatest diversity of genotypes. Excluding comparisons within accessions, the overall correlation of genetic similarity and geographic distance among accessions was weak. These patterns of genetic variation are observed in self-pollinating plant species. This study identified at least one well-defined group of genotypes that is naturally abundant and widely dispersed throughout the western United States.

Technical Abstract: The relationship of geographic origin and genetic identity was determined by DNA fingerprinting 25 mountain brome (Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn. sensu lato [Poaceae]) seed accessions that originate from widely dispersed sites throughout western North America. A high degree of genetic identity was detected within accessions, which probably reflects uniformity within natural populations. Moreover, four well-defined genetic groups encompassed all but five of these accessions. Samples from two of these groups had restricted geographic range. However, two other well-defined genetic groups had broad overlapping geographical ranges, which also included other genotypes. California produced the greatest diversity of genotypes. Excluding comparisons within accessions, the overall correlation of genetic similarity and geographic distance among accessions was weak. These patterns of genetic variation are observed in self-pollinating plant species. This study identified at least one well-defined group of genotypes that is naturally abundant and widely dispersed throughout the western United States.