Abstract Detail

Population Genetics

Hodel , Richard G [1], SOLTIS, PAMELA S. [2], Soltis, Douglas E. [2].

Microsatellites vs. RAD-Seq: A comparison of markers for population genetic inference in red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle).

Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle, Rhizophoraceae) are coastal trees that occur throughout the Neotropics. They provide immense ecosystem services, such as filtering water, providing habitat to marine and coastal species, and mitigating damage to the coast due to wave action and storm surges. Protecting mangrove species and effectively restoring degraded coastal habitats must become conservation priorities. Conservation genetic theory predicts that restoration efforts are more effective when local genotypes are used to restore degraded habitats. Knowledge about genetic differentiation within and among populations of red mangroves will allow more efficient and scientifically sound species conservation. In this study, we evaluate genetic diversity within and among populations of red mangroves in Florida using a combination of genetic markers and provide one of the first comparisons of microsatellites and loci generated using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq). Microsatellite markers have been the workhorse of population genetics over the past two decades. While microsatellites have limitations, the research community is familiar with potential pitfalls. In the past several years, the falling costs of next-generation sequencing (NGS) have led to the development of new methods that utilize NGS platforms for population genetic inference; one of these methods is RAD- Seq. While new methods that use NGS are capable of affordably generating thousands of loci for hundreds of individuals, the potential biases of newer methods such as RAD-Seq have not been well studied. Will population genetic inferences using this new class of genetic markers be congruent with those based on microsatellites? To our knowledge, no study has investigated the genetic structure of natural populations of plants using both microsatellites and RAD-Seq. Here we compare the population structure of red mangroves across both coasts of Florida using both microsatellites and RAD-Seq. We sampled 12 populations of red mangroves, collecting 8 individuals per location, and genotyped each individual using 7 microsatellite loci and the loci obtained from RAD- Seq. To compare the two methodologies, we examined measures of within-population diversity and among-population differentiation. 

1 - University of Florida, Biology Dept, P.O. Box 118525, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
2 - University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History, PO Box 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

Keywords:
population genetics
conservation genetics
microsatellites
RAD-seq
Coastal Biology
Mangroves.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 6
Location: Pines South/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 8:45 AM
Number: 6002
Abstract ID:652
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award