University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Poster Gallery
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Major
Biomedical Science
Department
Biological Sciences
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
SM Chambers
Mentor Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
Harrisia fragrans Small ex Britton & Rose, or fragrant prickly apple, is a federally-listed endangered Cactaceae native to Florida. This cactus species is distributed on the east coast of the state and is restricted to a single county. Given to the limited distribution of this species, populations are increasingly at risk of environmental pressures like coastal squeeze and habitat destruction due to surrounding urbanization, sea-level rise, and hurricanes. Additionally, rare plants such as H. fragrans often suffer from low genetic diversity and high rates of inbreeding which complicate conservation efforts. To examine the genetic structure of H. fragrans microsatellite loci were amplified and their fragment lengths quantified for population analyses. Results of this study will provide valuable insight to conservation efforts of this species.
