DOT Project Number:  90-00-LRTF-504

Fiscal Year:  1995

Award:  $12,528.00

Principal Investigator:  Dr. Daryl Smith, Department of Biology, University of Northern Iowa, daryl.smith@uni.edu

Summary Report:

ISOZYME VARIATION WITHIN AND AMONG POPULATIONS OF LIATRIS PYCNOSTACHYA

For more than thirty years, concern has been raised about the use of western cultivars and non-local ecotypes in prairie reconstruction and restoration. The Iowa Ecotype Project was initiated in 1990 to provide Iowa source-identified seed as an alternative for roadside prairie plantings and reconstruction. The state was divided into three zones and regional ecotypes were planned for each zone. To assist in ascertaining whether three regional ecotypes are appropriate for all species, it is important to determine the levels of genetic diversity of populations of prairie plants throughout Iowa.

The study was designed to examine genetic variability within and between populations of Liatris pycnostachya (prairie blazing star) in Iowa. Plant material was harvested from plants grown in the green house. Isozyme electrophoresis was utilized to examine genetic variability. The study was initiated as a thesis project by graduate student, Edward Tillman.

No meaningful results were achieved in this study. In all trials, the only enzyme observed on a consistent basis was malate dehydrogenase. Other enzymes such as acid phosphatase, alcohol dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and shikimate dehydrogenase appeared on an inconsistent basis and were often unclear streaks. They may have been experimental artifacts.