Journal article
Effect of altitude on the genetic structure of an Alpine grass, Poa hiemata
SG Byars, Y Parsons, AA Hoffmann
Annals of Botany | Published : 2009
DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcp018
Abstract
Background and AimsThe persistence of plants inhabiting restricted alpine areas under climate change will depend upon many factors including levels of genetic variation in adaptive traits, population structure, and breeding system.MethodsUsing microsatellite markers, the genetic structure of populations of a relatively common alpine grass, Poa hiemata, is examined across three altitudinal gradients within the restricted Australian alpine zone where this species has previously been shown to exhibit local adaptation across a narrow altitudinal gradient.Key ResultsGenetic variation across six microsatellite markers revealed genetic structuring along altitudinal transects, and a reduction in gen..
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Funding Acknowledgements
We thank Parks Victoria for vehicle access to sites and other advice, S. Hadden for flora collection permits and M. Blackett, A. Weeks, R. Hallas, P. Mitrovski and N. Endersby for advice in the laboratory. This work was supported by the Australian Research Council ( ARC) through their Linkage program as well as the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Parks Victoria, E. S Link, Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management, Howmans Gap Alpine Centre, Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management. S. G. B. was supported by the David Hay Memorial Fund from the University of Melbourne and A. A. H. by a Federation Fellowship from the Australian Research Council.