Evolutionary consequences of translocations during habitat restoration: Investigations of population structure and adaptation patterns in Buphthalmum salicifolium

Supervisors: Prof. J. Kollmann, Dr. H. Meimberg

Restoration activities can involve translocation of individuals in form of seed transfer or planting of cultivars. It is well established that such translocations could lead to the introduction of genotypes adapted to different conditions than required in the restoration site. This could diminish success of establishment.

Most species used for restoration within seed mixes or hay transfer are rather frequent and the genetic impact of translocation is so far rarely considered for these activities. In widely distributed species we can expect a profound impact of translocation activities on the population structure.

The proposed project aims to investigate this context by determination population structure using microsatellites in Buphthalmum salicifolium, a plant species that is distributed within the southern part of central Europe and fairly frequent on calcareous, low nutrient soils. It is easily transferred with hay and is a regular member in seed mixes used for restoration. The project aims to investigate an extensive sampling of at least 20 natural and restored Buphthalmum salicifolium populations. Comparison with information about restoration history of the sites and the source of material will allow an estimate of the impact of restoration on population structure, i.e. if restoration causes a shift of allele frequencies over a larger part of the range in this widely distributed species. Parallel investigations in the greenhouse of ecological requirements of the populations will show whether or not the genetic consequences are accompanied by loss or development of local adaptation due to translocation. Ultimate goal is to develop a broad overview about the impact of restoration activities on biodiversity and to refine guidelines for translocation practices.