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Lindstrom J, Ahlering M, Hamilton J. Seed sourcing for climate-resilient grasslands: The role of seed source diversity during early restoration establishment. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10756. [PMID: 38020697 PMCID: PMC10663101 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Restoration advocates for the use of local seed in restoration, but theory suggests that diverse seed sources may enhance genetic diversity and longer term evolutionary potential within restored communities. However, few empirical studies have evaluated whether species and genetic diversity within species impacts plant community composition following restoration. The goal of this research is to compare the effects of single and multi-sourced seed mix treatments on plant community diversity following restoration. Species establishment, abundance, and diversity were compared following two restoration seed mix treatments created to include 14 species commonly used in grassland restoration. We compared the application of seed mixes designed using a single population per species with those containing five populations per species across sites in Minnesota and South Dakota, United States. Early plant establishment and richness mostly reflected non-seeded species across both sites, although seeded species established at a slightly higher rate in year two following restoration. At the South Dakota site, community composition largely reflected changes associated with establishment across the growing season as opposed to seed mix treatment. This contrasted with the Minnesota site, where community composition appeared to be strongly influenced by seed mix treatment. While there is some evidence seed mix treatment may be influencing the emergent community across sites, spatial heterogeneity across the Minnesota restoration site likely influenced diversity in early emergence over that of seed mix treatment. Indeed, varying land-use history across both sites likely contributed to differences in species composition observed at this early stage of the restoration. This suggests that seed mix treatment may have limited impact on early post-restoration emergence diversity relative to the importance of land-use history. However, future monitoring will be needed to evaluate whether the impact of seed mix treatment on community composition changes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lindstrom
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNorth DakotaUSA
| | | | - Jill Hamilton
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNorth DakotaUSA
- Department of Ecosystem Science and ManagementPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
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Volk K, Braasch J, Ahlering M, Hamilton JA. Environmental contributions to the evolution of trait differences in Geum triflorum: Implications for restoration. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2022; 109:1822-1837. [PMID: 36151780 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE How the environment influences the distribution of trait variation across a species' range has important implications for seed transfer during restoration. Evolution across environments could influence fitness when individuals are transferred into new environments. Here, we evaluate the role the environment has had on the distribution of genetic variance for traits important to adaptation. METHODS In a common garden experiment, we quantified trait differentiation for populations of Geum triflorum sourced from three distinct ecoregions and evaluated the ability of climate to predict trait variation. Populations were sourced from the Manitoba and Great Lake alvar ecoregions that experience predictable extremes in seasonal water availability and the prairie ecoregion which exhibits unpredictable changes in water availability. RESULTS Plants sourced from alvar ecoregions exhibited smaller but more stomata and greater intrinsic water-use efficiency relative to prairie plant populations, supporting the evolution of ecotypic differences. Estimates of standing genetic variance and heritable genetic variation for quantitative traits suggest alvar populations have greater adaptive potential. However, low evolvability suggests all populations likely have limited capacity to evolve in response to environmental change. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the importance of the environment in influencing the evolution and distribution of genetic differences across populations used as seed sources for restoration. Additionally, these data may inform recommendations for seed transfer across novel environments and our expectations of populations' adaptive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Volk
- North Dakota State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Joseph Braasch
- North Dakota State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
- Rutgers University Camden, Department of Biological Sciences, Camden, NJ, 08102, USA
| | | | - Jill A Hamilton
- North Dakota State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
- Pennsylvania State University, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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Goldsmith NE, Flint SA, Shaw RG. Factors limiting the availability of native seed for reconstructing Minnesota's prairies: stakeholder perspectives. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Goldsmith
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior University of Minnesota—Twin Cities 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Avenue St. Paul MN 55108 U.S.A
| | - Shelby A. Flint
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior University of Minnesota—Twin Cities 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Avenue St. Paul MN 55108 U.S.A
- Present address: Science Department Southwest Minnesota State University, Science and Math 178 1501 State Street Marshall MN 56258 U.S.A
| | - Ruth G. Shaw
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior University of Minnesota—Twin Cities 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Avenue St. Paul MN 55108 U.S.A
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Galla SJ, Brown L, Couch-Lewis Ngāi Tahu Te Hapū O Ngāti Wheke Ngāti Waewae Y, Cubrinovska I, Eason D, Gooley RM, Hamilton JA, Heath JA, Hauser SS, Latch EK, Matocq MD, Richardson A, Wold JR, Hogg CJ, Santure AW, Steeves TE. The relevance of pedigrees in the conservation genomics era. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:41-54. [PMID: 34553796 PMCID: PMC9298073 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 50 years conservation genetics has developed a substantive toolbox to inform species management. One of the most long‐standing tools available to manage genetics—the pedigree—has been widely used to characterize diversity and maximize evolutionary potential in threatened populations. Now, with the ability to use high throughput sequencing to estimate relatedness, inbreeding, and genome‐wide functional diversity, some have asked whether it is warranted for conservation biologists to continue collecting and collating pedigrees for species management. In this perspective, we argue that pedigrees remain a relevant tool, and when combined with genomic data, create an invaluable resource for conservation genomic management. Genomic data can address pedigree pitfalls (e.g., founder relatedness, missing data, uncertainty), and in return robust pedigrees allow for more nuanced research design, including well‐informed sampling strategies and quantitative analyses (e.g., heritability, linkage) to better inform genomic inquiry. We further contend that building and maintaining pedigrees provides an opportunity to strengthen trusted relationships among conservation researchers, practitioners, Indigenous Peoples, and Local Communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Galla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Liz Brown
- New Zealand Department of Conservation, Twizel, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | | | - Ilina Cubrinovska
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Daryl Eason
- New Zealand Department of Conservation, Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca M Gooley
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Front Royal, Maryland, USA.,Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jill A Hamilton
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Julie A Heath
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Samantha S Hauser
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Emily K Latch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Marjorie D Matocq
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Anne Richardson
- The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Jana R Wold
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna W Santure
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tammy E Steeves
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
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Leger EA, Agneray AC, Baughman OW, Brummer EC, Erickson TE, Hufford KM, Kettenring KM. Integrating evolutionary potential and ecological function into agricultural seed production to meet demands for the decade of restoration. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Leger
- Department of Biology University of Nevada Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Mail Stop 0314 Reno NV 89557 U.S.A
| | - Alison C. Agneray
- Department of Biology University of Nevada Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Mail Stop 0314 Reno NV 89557 U.S.A
| | - Owen W. Baughman
- The Nature Conservancy Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center 67826‐A Highway 205 Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
| | - E. Charles Brummer
- Plant Breeding Center, Department of Plant Sciences University of California, Davis Davis CA 95616 U.S.A
| | - Todd E. Erickson
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions 2 Kattidj Close, Kings Park Western Australia 6005 Australia
| | - Kristina M. Hufford
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming 1000 E. University Avenue Laramie WY 82071 U.S.A
| | - Karin M. Kettenring
- Ecology Center and Department of Watershed Sciences Utah State University Logan UT 84322 U.S.A
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Braasch JE, Di Santo LN, Tarble ZJ, Prasifka JR, Hamilton JA. Testing for evolutionary change in restoration: A genomic comparison between ex situ, native, and commercial seed sources of Helianthus maximiliani. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2206-2220. [PMID: 34603493 PMCID: PMC8477598 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally imperiled ecosystems often depend upon collection, propagation, and storage of seed material for use in restoration. However, during the restoration process demographic changes, population bottlenecks, and selection can alter the genetic composition of seed material, with potential impacts for restoration success. The evolutionary outcomes associated with these processes have been demonstrated using theoretical and experimental frameworks, but no study to date has examined their impact on the seed material maintained for conservation and restoration. In this study, we compare genomic variation across seed sources used in conservation and restoration for the perennial prairie plant Helianthus maximiliani, a key component of restorations across North American grasslands. We compare individuals sourced from contemporary wild populations, ex situ conservation collections, commercially produced restoration material, and two populations selected for agronomic traits. Overall, we observed that ex situ and contemporary wild populations exhibited similar genomic composition, while four of five commercial populations and selected lines were differentiated from each other and other seed source populations. Genomic differences across seed sources could not be explained solely by isolation by distance nor directional selection. We did find evidence of sampling effects for ex situ collections, which exhibited significantly increased coancestry relative to commercial populations, suggesting increased relatedness. Interestingly, commercially sourced seed appeared to maintain an increased number of rare alleles relative to ex situ and wild contemporary seed sources. However, while commercial seed populations were not genetically depauperate, the genomic distance between wild and commercially produced seed suggests differentiation in the genomic composition could impact restoration success. Our results point toward the importance of genetic monitoring of seed sources used for conservation and restoration as they are expected to be influenced by the evolutionary processes that contribute to divergence during the restoration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph E. Braasch
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNDUSA
| | - Lionel N. Di Santo
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNDUSA
| | - Zachary J. Tarble
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNDUSA
- Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research CenterUSDA‐ARSFargoNDUSA
| | | | - Jill A. Hamilton
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNDUSA
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