Louise Wootton, Georgian Court University

Using microsatellite analysis to assess genetic diversity in the invasive sand sedge, Carex kobomugi.

Presented by: Adriana Chris

Advisors: Dr. Carolyn Bergman

                Dr. Louise Wootton 

Abstract

Carex kobomugi is a species of sedge native to eastern Asia that has invaded New Jersey’s coastal dunes.  Previous studies found that this plant has a negative impact on the native plant species on the dunes.  In order to be able to effectively stop the spread of C. kobomugi, genetic studies must be done to understand the system that species is using to reproduce (sexual versus asexual).  To meet this need, samples of plant leaves to be used in genetic analyses were collected from different parts of the dunes and marked according to the area found.  These samples were then frozen to -70ºF to protect the DNA from decomposition until it could be extracted for analysis.  Extracted DNA samples were amplified using PCR and three sets of primers designed to target identified "microsatellites". (Microsatellites are gene regions that are known to demonstrate variability within different individuals or populations within C. kobomugi).  Agarose gel electrophoresis and ethidium bromide staining were used to visualize the DNA fragments created through this process.  Our preliminary findings indicate that there is variability among the leaves from different locations suggesting that sexual reproduction contributes to the spread of C. kobomugi along the beach of New Jersey.