Population Biology

   We currently are engaged in two efforts focused on the study of populations.  The first involves the rare and endangered species Solidago shortii (Short's goldenrod), and the second involves an adventitious species, the common sunflower Helianthus annuus.

    Short's goldenrod is known from two localities: within the vicinity of Blue Licks, KY., and from one locality in Indiana.  Our previous efforts included a nomenclatural/historical analysis of the type specimens of this species, and a morphometric analysis using both Principle Components Analysis and Discriminate Function Analysis to examine variation both within and among six Kentucky populations. The morphometric analyses revealed a remarkable level of phenotypic variation within Short's goldenrod relative to three congeners.  More recently, a census of the Kentucky populations was taken and the spatial extent of each known population mapped through Global Positioning System and Geographic Information System methodologies.  In this latter effort we were assisted by Girl Scout Troop 1265, Wilderness Council.  These efforts provided a much needed update on both population size and cartographic status.

These efforts were supported by grants from Sigma Xi, the EKU University Research Fund, and the NIH/NCRR/BRIN, and by contracts from the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Agency.

       Our population studies into Short's goldenrod have expanded to include an effort to determine the genetic profiles of six Kentucky populations through isozyme analysis.  Data from 9 enzyme systems has revealed a high level of genetic diversity, both within and among the six sampled populations.  As this species is a tetraploid, the typical calculations of population genetic structure are not applicable.  Scoring of phenotypic banding patterns will be used to approximate genetic distances.  DNA has been isolated from individuals from the six sampled populations, and is awaiting profiling analysis through the PCR.

    A second effort entails the population structure of a common species, the annual sunflower Helianthus annuus.  In contrast to the Short's goldenrod, the sunflower occupies recently disturbed habitats e.g. roadcuts and fields.  Our present focus is to determine, through isozyme analysis, the genetic structure of 25-30 different populations in central Kentucky.  The long term goal is to arrive at an understanding of the dispersal patterns of this adventitious species, and to determine the level of gene flow (if any) between separate populations.

This effort is supported by an EKU University Research Fund Award