Grantee Research Project Results

1999 Progress Report: Demographic and genetic factors affecting population viability of Lupinus perennis, an indicator species of Oak Savanna.

EPA Grant Number: R826596
Title: Demographic and genetic factors affecting population viability of Lupinus perennis, an indicator species of Oak Savanna.
Investigators: Michaels, Helen J. , Mitchell, Randall J.
Institution: Bowling Green State University - Main Campus
Current Institution: Bowling Green State University - Main Campus , University of Akron
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2002
Project Period Covered by this Report: January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2000
Project Amount: $289,178
RFA: Ecological Indicators (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Aquatic Ecosystems , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration

Objective:

Plants in small and sparse populations often have low reproductive success, indicating that fragmentation of populations by human activities may prevent populations from being self-sustaining. This research project is intended to improve understanding of whether and how population decline develops for a model organism, perennial Lupine (Lupinus perennis: Fabaceae). This plant species not only suffers from habitat loss and fragmentation, but also is the only host plant for three endangered butterfly species. Also, Lupine is an important indicator species for the imperiled Oak Openings savanna community of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Thus, understanding how demographic and genetic factors contribute to the decline of this plant species is likely to be useful in understanding this community, and will help in recovery efforts for imperiled butterfly species.

Progress Summary:

We have achieved or made progress on all of the first year goals stated in the grant application:

1. Identified 10 lupine sites for analysis, exceeding the 8 sites specified in our plan.

2. Measured Lupine density and abundance at each site.

3. Observed pollinators at each site. Pollinator visitation increased significantly in dense areas within populations, but did not differ significantly among populations varying in size.

4. Collected leaf tissue samples (for assessment of genetic variation) and seed samples (for mating system analysis) from >25 plants in all 10 sites.

5. Refined techniques for DNA isolation and development of microsatellite primers (see below). One locus is now ready for screening, and development of several more is nearing completion. Collected bulk seeds from >50 plants in each site for use in reciprocal transplants (planting began in January 2000).

The following activities conducted in Year 1 deviated from the original research plan:

1. The pilot study indicates that significant levels of inbreeding depression on seed set and offspring fitness are likely to be encountered.

2. We are developing lupine-specific microsatellite primers, rather than using soybean primers as originally planned.

3. A manuscript reporting the development of this new approach (which is applicable to all organisms and is a significant improvement over current methods in standard use) is in preparation.

4. We detected and began study of a previously unnoticed seed predator (Megalotomus quinquespinosus; Hemiptera; Alydidae) that mimics ants in behavior and morphology. Feeding damage from this bug removes lupine seed dormancy, potentially having strong impacts on plant demography and population health.

Future Activities:

The following activities are anticipated:

Year 2 (2000-2001) Assess population-level genetic variation (isolate DNAs, run gels) Analyze mating system (plant seeds, isolate DNAs, and run gels) Plant phytometers in field Continue pollinator observations Perform inbreeding depression pollinations Plant inbreeding depression seeds in the fall Analyze data, write papers.

Year 3 (2001-2002) Assess success of phytometers Complete gels for mating system analysis Assess inbreeding depression seedlings Analyze data, write papers.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 30 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

ecological effects, sensitive populations, animal, population, genetic polymorphisms, scaling, ecosystem, indicators, restoration, terrestrial, habitat, biology, ecology, botany, biology, entomology, Great Lakes, conservation, Midwest, OH, Ohio, EPA Region 5., RFA, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Scientific Discipline, Geographic Area, Ecological Indicators, Forestry, Ecology, Ecosystem/Assessment/Indicators, Monitoring/Modeling, Midwest, Ecological Effects - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Great Lakes, Environmental Monitoring, demographic factors, ecological effects, biodiversity, forest conservation, Oak Savanna, genetic differentiation, risk assessment, defoliation, DNA, ecosystem indicators, habitat, environmental stress, multiple spatial scales, ecological exposure, anthropogenic stresses, butterfly, reproductive health, demographic, conservation, indicator species

Relevant Websites:

http://www.uakron.edu/biology/mitchell/lupine.html Exit EPA icon
http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/biology/people/faculty/michaels/research.html

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.