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Linking Population Genetic Diversity in Host Plants to Community Dynamics and Ecosystem Processes

EPA Grant Number: F5F11519
Title: Linking Population Genetic Diversity in Host Plants to Community Dynamics and Ecosystem Processes
Investigators: Crutsinger, Gregory
Institution: University of Tennessee - Knoxville
EPA Project Officer: Jones, Brandon
Project Period: August 1, 2004 through May 1, 2009
Project Amount: $111,172
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2005)
Research Category: Academic Fellowships

Description:

Objective:

A major goal in ecology is to understand the factors that structure communities. A community genetics approach addresses this goal by focusing on the genetic traits that mediate species interactions and structure communities. In particular, community genetics focuses on the role of intra-specific genetic variation in dominant and keystone species, which in turn affects dependent species, community organization, and ecosystem dynamics. The objective of this research is to explore the links between genes, ecological communities, and ecosystems by examining the relationship between population genetic diversity in host plants, species diversity of associated arthropods, and ecosystem processes.

Approach:

This research combines field observations, experiments, and genetic techniques using Solidago canadesis (tall goldenrod) as a model system. Established is a common garden containing monocultures of 21 different goldenrod genotypes in field plots in an old-field ecosystem in East Tennessee. Specifically, in 1 m2 plots, there are plots that contain either 1,3,6, and 12 genotypes. The project will examine the response of arthropods to these treatments, along with the response of ecosystem processes such as primary productivity, nutrient cycling, and decomposition. In addition, a survey of natural patches of goldenrod will be conducted in old fields and examine the correlations among genetic diversity, arthropod diversity, and ecosystem processes across a landscape.

Expected Results:

Species diversity is a potentially important element of community and ecosystem ecology, but the importance of genetic diversity within a species is an overlooked component. This research will provide one of the first empirical studies that actually manipulates host plant genetic diversity to understand how communities and ecosystems respond. Since goldenrod dominates fields and roadsides throughout North America, is an invasive species in much of Europe and supports a diverse array of species, results will have implications for many terrestrial ecosystems.

Supplemental Keywords:

Community genetics, goldenrod, ecosystem processes, AFLP, genetic diversity, arthropods, Solidago canadensis, old-field ecosystems, biodiversity, common garden, Tennessee, nutrient availability, , Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Scientific Discipline, Habitat, Ecology and Ecosystems, Environmental Monitoring, biodoversity, habitat population structure, habitat dynamics, plant diversity, arthropods, community composition, diversity of species, community genetic diversity

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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.

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