Population structure, genetic diversity and conservation of selected species of Barleria

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorMakholela, Tshepang Miriam
dc.date.accessioned2006-11-17T07:20:05Z
dc.date.available2006-11-17T07:20:05Z
dc.date.issued2006-11-17T07:20:05Z
dc.descriptionFaculty of Science Schoolof Animal,Plant and Enviromental Sciences 0008745gen
dc.description.abstractBarleria argillicola and B. greenii are two rare endemics restricted to the midlands of KwaZulu Natal at Estcourt. They were studied for allozyme variation and differentiation, pollination biology, management strategies and red data re-assessment. The population genetic structure of these endemics was compared using allozymes with that of a related more widespread species (B. saxatilis) in order determine the baseline genetic data for conservation management of the rare species, and to test current theory regarding population genetics of rare species. The endemics are sympatric although ecologically separated in different habitats. Their populations occur in areas with different fire and grazing regimes; a two year burning cycle on privately owned land and four year burning cycle in the Weenen Game Reserve. Livestock grazes on the privately owned land but stocking rates are very low in the Nature Reserve. The proposed Gongolo Reserve will include most populations currently in the privately owned land. Allozyme variation and differentiation was studied using starch gel electrophoresis. The relationship between the observed levels of allozyme diversity and plant mating systems is discussed. The effects of the management regimes B. greenii were studied in eight 15m by 15m quadrats from three populations in the four year burning cycle, three populations in the two year burning cycle and one population from the annual burn. In B. argillicola, three populations from eroded areas and two from non-eroded flat areas were studied. Results for B. argillicola showed low allozyme diversity, low reproductive effort, an IUCN rating of Critically Endangered, short flowering season, high within-flower pollen transfer and habitat loss through erosion and road maintenance. Barleria greenii also merits high conservation priority but is not as threatened as B. argillicola. It is locally abundant with an IUCN rating of Vulnerable. Fire is the major disturbance in B. greenii. Both endemics are self-compatible, facultative breeding system and set fruits when pollinators are excluded but B. argillicola has also shown reduced demographic reliance on seeds through vegetative growth of genets (branching of the vegetative body in the sporophyte through clonal growth of roots). The management regime that favours the two species is different: a two year burning cycle with moderate grazing favours B. greenii but a four year burning cycle with light grazing favours B. argillicola. It is recommended that the two endemics be managed differently through block burning. Comparison of population genetic structure using allozyme data between the two endemics and their widespread congener (B. saxatilis) revealed very low genetic diversity in the widespread congener. It is possible that cleistogamy in this species facilitates its widespread distribution. Low levels of allozyme variability could not be associated with the rarity of the endemics but rather with their mating systems that favour inbreeding.en
dc.format.extent85878 bytes
dc.format.extent689197 bytes
dc.format.extent12141 bytes
dc.format.extent11120 bytes
dc.format.extent199239 bytes
dc.format.extent756218 bytes
dc.format.extent15247 bytes
dc.format.extent10626 bytes
dc.format.extent133845 bytes
dc.format.extent726695 bytes
dc.format.extent237466 bytes
dc.format.extent47032 bytes
dc.format.extent74469 bytes
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10539/1823
dc.language.isoenen
dc.subjectConservationen
dc.subjectBarleriaen
dc.subjectPollunationen
dc.subjectManagement Regimesen
dc.subjectRed data Assessmenten
dc.titlePopulation structure, genetic diversity and conservation of selected species of Barleriaen
dc.typeThesisen
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 5 of 13
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
00Contents0.pdf
Size:
72.72 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
01Chapter1.pdf
Size:
45.93 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
02Chapter2.pdf
Size:
231.9 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
03Chapter3.pdf
Size:
709.66 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
03Chapter3Figure1.pdf
Size:
130.71 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
license.txt
Size:
97 B
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download
Collections
ETD Collection