Topic
Ribes echinellum
About: Ribes echinellum is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4 publications have been published within this topic receiving 16 citations.
Papers
TL;DR: Bayesian analysis and FST values suggest high genetic divergence between the populations of R. echinellum, important for developing a recovery plan and an ex situ and reintroduction conservation programs.
Abstract: Ribes echinellum (Coville) Rehder (Miccosukee gooseberry; Grossulariaceae) is a Federally Threatened species known from only two localities: Jefferson County (Florida, FL) and McCormick County (South Carolina, SC) This perennial shrub, ca 1 m tall, is deciduous, and reproduces both vegetatively (clonal growth) and sexually (seed production) Recent surveys of the FL population revealed a dramatic decline in plant numbers To assist in conservation and management of this species in FL and SC populations, microsatellite genetic markers were used to identify genotypes and assess the genetic structure of R echinellum We genotyped seven microsatellite loci in 102 individuals: 74 collected in FL and 28 in SC Unbiased heterozygosity was between 028 and 053 All seven loci were polymorphic, showing a range of 152–213 effective number of alleles per locus (mean = 175) The two populations of R echinellum show low genetic diversity, especially in SC Clonality was not widespread, but was higher in the SC population Both populations show signatures of bottlenecks but isolation by distance was not evident We found significant deviation from HW equilibrium, with higher number of heterozygotes than expected However when HW test was done for the combined populations as two separate groups, only FL showed a significant HW test and for SC the test was non-significant Bayesian analysis and FST values suggest high genetic divergence between the populations These results are important for developing a recovery plan and an ex situ and reintroduction conservation programs
11 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Although neither pollinator rarity, nor pollinator specificity, appear to provide an adequate explanation for the rarity of Ribes echinellum, high floristic diversity in relicts of mesophytic forest may contribute to the persistence of the rare shrub by maintaining the large bee populations necessary for cross-pollination.
Abstract: To determine the extent to which pollinator scarcity and/or specificity may account for the rarity of Ribes echinellum, and to provide information for protection, pollinators and pollinator behavior were observed. The primary pollinators at both Florida and South Carolina stations were large bees including species of Bombus, as well as Habropoda laboriosa. The pollinators are widespread, at least locally common, and are not host-specific, apart from an association with pendent blossoms in Habropoda laboriosa. Although neither pollinator rarity, nor pollinator specificity, appear to provide an adequate explanation for the rarity of Ribes echinellum, high floristic diversity in relicts of mesophytic forest may contribute to the persistence of the rare shrub by maintaining the large bee populations necessary for cross-pollination. The bees land on the pendent flowers immediately assuming an inverted position while grasping the reflexed calyx lobes and petals with hindlegs, and stamens and style with forelegs. In this position the anthers and style tips are brought into contact with the ventral thorax and abdomen, while the bee probes the floral tube. Protandry and circumstantial evidence suggest a reliance on pollinators for fruit development.
5 citations
TL;DR: Results are important for developing a conservation strategy for the federally threatened Miccosukee gooseberry, Ribes echinellum, which is confined to two disjunct localities and exhibits a mixed mating system.
Abstract: Reproductive ecology studies of rare species can provide information pertinent to population growth and persistence. One rare species confined to two disjunct localities, one on private land located in Florida and the other one that is composed of two subpopulations on public land in South Carolina, is the federally threatened Miccosukee gooseberry, Ribes echinellum. Studies were carried out in the Florida population to determine change in abundance between 1992 and 2012 and to understand the lack of seedling recruitment in the wild. In Florida, the number of patches increased in the northern part of the study area but decreased in the southern part. Hand pollination experiments indicate Ribes echinellum exhibits a mixed mating system. Although autogamous pollination occurred, it did not result in fruit production. Reduced seed set of selfed flowers and seedling size provided some support for inbreeding depression, yet small sample sizes precluded full evaluation. No asexual seed production was d...
3 citations
TL;DR: Using a time-lapse infrared camera, a cotton mouse was discovered eating fruit of the gooseberry and seed predation by the cotton mouse could have a significant negative effect on seed dispersal of the Miccosukee gooseberry.
Abstract: The Miccosukee gooseberry (Ribes echinellum Coville), a federally threatened shrub, has a restricted distribution at single sites in north Florida and South Carolina. The Florida population is apparently stable overall, but one subpopulation has declined over the past decade. This decline spurred resumption of long-term monitoring and research into potential causes of the plant's rarity. In 2010 distinctive evidence of fruit predation inspired the title question. Using a time-lapse infrared camera we discovered a cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus LeConte) eating fruit of the gooseberry. This type of fruit predation is apparently pervasive based on observations of plants scattered throughout the population. Cotton mouse scat is smaller than gooseberry seeds indicating that the seeds were probably destroyed during ingestion. Seed predation by the cotton mouse could have a significant negative effect on seed dispersal of the Miccosukee gooseberry.
Related Topics (5)
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |