| Abstract Detail
Recent Topics Posters Reid, Ryan L. [1], Hawkins, Angela K. [1], Randle, Christopher P. [2]. Pilot Study: Germination and haustorial disc initiation in Phoradendron serotinum (Santalaceae) . Host preference in Phoradendron serotinum exhibits complexity in that many different hosts may be utilized, but locally, populations often exhibit preference for one or a few host species, even when others are available. This raises the hypothesis of a genetic mechanism for host selection. Investigation into genetic causes of host preference require a protocol through which seedlings may be reciprocally transplanted among parental hosts to identify different gene expression patterns in successful versus aborted haustorial discs. In this study, it was demonstrated that seedling haustorial establishment on the parental host occurs with higher frequency on the trunk of a tree rather than the branches (although not with statistical significance). We speculate that this may be due to higher water retention on the rougher surface of the trunk compared to the smooth surface of primary branches. While most successful parasites are found on primary growth branches, this may reflect a preference inherent to the dispersal agent (usually a bird). Notably, haustoria do not form on dead logs, although the reason for this is unknown
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1 - Sam Houston State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 1900 Avenue I, Huntsville, TX, 77340, USA
2 - Sam Houston State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 1900 Avenue I., Huntsville, TX, 77340
Keywords:
parasitic plants
Phoradendron serotinum
Santalaceae.
Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P1
Location: Event Tent/Cliff Lodge
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2009
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: P1RT009
Abstract ID:1237 |
