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Genetic analyses of Astragalus sect. Humillimi (Fabaceae) resolve taxonomy and enable effective conservation

Robert Massatti·Matthew Belus·Shahed Dowlatshahi·Gerard J. Allan
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Abstract

Premise of the Study Astragalus sect. Humillimi is distributed across the southwestern United States and contains two endangered taxa, A. cremnophylax var. cremnophylax and A. humillimus . The former was originally described from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Analysis of individuals discovered on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon yielded some evidence that the population represented a distinct species. To enable effective conservation, we clarify the group's taxonomy and characterize the genetic diversity of A. cremnophylax and A. humillimus . Methods We used AFLPs to genotype most species in sect. Humillimi , focusing on the two endangered forms. We examined patterns of genetic diversity using complementary analytical approaches. Key Results Our results demonstrate that North Rim populations group with A. c . var. cremnophylax . We found low levels of genetic diversity at certain localities and strong differentiation among populations. Astragalus humillimus , which has suffered recent and severe population declines, exhibits weak differentiation among and low diversity within populations. Conclusions Our results clarify the taxonomy of sect. Humillimi and define the boundaries of A. c . var. cremnophylax , which is shown to inhabit both rims of the Grand Canyon. This clarification, and detailed analysis of genetic variation within both endangered taxa, may advance ongoing efforts to conserve these taxa. Our results suggest that range‐wide genetic analysis of A. humillimus may inform recovery strategies for this taxon.

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Robert Massatti, Matthew Belus, Shahed Dowlatshahi, Gerard J. Allan. 2018-09-17. Genetic analyses of Astragalus sect. Humillimi (Fabaceae) resolve taxonomy and enable effective conservation. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.1157

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