Abstract Detail

Systematics Section / ASPT

Ott, Todd M. [1], Brunsfeld, Steven J. [1].

Genetic characterization of the Abies grandis-Abies concolor complex in central Idaho and eastern Oregon.

Despite the ecological and economic importance of grand fir (Abies grandis) in the Pacific Northwest, the species is poorly understood, particularly the high morphological and ecological variability that exists in the southern portions of its range. It has long been hypothesized that it has hybridized with concolor fir (A. concolor), a species of more southern latitudes. The variable southern portion of the range of A. grandis is best described as a complex that includes A. grandis-like phenotypes, A. concolor-like phenotypes, and intermediates that are not easily assigned to either species. This study examines the Rocky Mountain portion of the range, where “pure” A. concolor is currently disjunct over two hundred kilometers to the south. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses support the existence of a hybrid swarm spanning thousands of square kilometers. The southern limit of the hybrid swarm contains the highest frequency of A. concolor markers. These markers attenuate in frequency to the north, apparently reflecting introgression far into areas that otherwise appear to be “pure” A. grandis. This study also explores variability throughout the broad range of A. concolor. Sierran populations appear to differ greatly from those from the central Rocky Mountains, providing insights into past vegetation migration patterns.

1 - University of Idaho, Department of Forest Resources, Moscow, Idaho, 83844, USA

Keywords:
Abies
hybridization
introgression
AFLP.

Presentation Type: Paper
Session: 59-13
Location: Cottonwood A (Snowbird Center)
Date: Wednesday, August 4th, 2004
Time: 5:00 PM
Abstract ID:789