26th Annual Student Research Conference
A Preliminary Molecular Analysis of the Genus Aureolaria (Orobanchaceae) Based on Two Chloroplast Gene Loci
Sean A. Serroque
Dr. Elisabeth A. Hooper, Faculty Mentor
Aureolaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Orobanchaceae. There are ten species distributed throughout the eastern US and northern Mexico. Historically, Aureolaria has been difficult to classify based on morphology alone. The purpose of this study was to use molecular data to examine the systematic relationships of members of Aureolaria. DNA from two chloroplast gene loci (trn-H and matK) was extracted from eight taxa for study. Preliminary analyses support the current circumscription of this genus. In addition, Aureolaria was found to be genetically distinct from two sister genera Brachystigma and Agalinis. The Mexican endemic (A. greggii) was found to be basal within the genus. One unexpected result was the placement of Dasistoma macrophylla within Aureolaria. With further examination, using more gene loci and taxa, the systematic relationships between members of Aureolaria may be better understood as well as their relationship with members of other genera within Orobanchaceae.
Keywords: Aureolaria, Orobanchaceae, matK, trn-H
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 310-4
Location: MG 2001
Time: 1:45