Sapelo Research Application Form
Research Application ID: GCE-3-2011 (submitted: 05/02/2011, status: approved)
Provide a brief title for web display
Comparative transcriptomics of reciprocal transplants of Spartina alterniflora
Investigator Information
On Island Sponsor: GCE SINERR UGAMI GADNR
| Principal Investigator: | Christina L. Richards | ||
| Home Institution: | University of South Florida | ||
| Award Information: | USF Internal grant, USF start-up funds for Richards | ||
| Mailing Address: | Department of Integrative Biology | Phone Number: | (813) 974-5090 |
| University of South Florida | E-mail Address: | clr@usf.edu | |
| Tampa, Florida 33620 | |||
| Co-investigators: | |||
Briefly describe the project goals and methodology
The project will compare transcriptome responses of Spartina alternifora to natural high and low salt environments using the Agilent microarray to test the following hypotheses: 1) in addition to known stress related genes, there will be novel gene network configurations and novel genes associated with networks in natural salt environments; 2) the pattern will vary for genotypes originating from high salt compared to those from low salt habitats; 3) local adaptation can be correlated to changes in gene network response. This work will not only contribute to our understanding of genome function in natural environments, but will provide novel insight into the nature of rapid response to ecologically relevant conditions in an important salt marsh dominant plant.
Where will the project be located?
Transplants in high salt and low salt Spartina zones at Lighthouse and Cabretta
How will you provide GPS coordinates for study sites?
I will provide a provisional map and arrange with my sponsor to collect and register GPS coordinates
What are the expected start and end dates of the project?
Start Date: 05/16/2011 End Date: (ongoing)
How many people will access the site and at what frequency?
Two to three after initial transplant (replacing replicates of high and low salt genets at each site: 5 genets x 7-8 reps in each habitat= approx 75 plants total in each habitat at each site, N=300)
Keywords that describe your project
What equipment will be deployed in the field?
Tags for transplants
Will plants or animals be collected as part of this study?
Plants collected last summer (with GPS coordinates on file). Transplants will be approximately in the same locations but we can take new GPS.
What are the likely impacts of the project on the site?
Minor impacts of transplanting by 3 or 4 students. Minor impacts of monitoring every 5-6 weeks over the summer. Minor impacts of harvesting leaves at end of summer 2011 and at the end of experiment TBD.
Will the project design include boardwalks? If not, explain why not.
No. No existing boardwalks at these sites and low frequency monitoring.
How long will impacts persist after the research is concluded?
One season.
Research Permits:
Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division: GCE-3-2011_Permit_LOA (02/27/2012-indefinite)
Study Area Map:
Files attached to this application
GCE-3-2011_Documents_NEW_RESEARCHERS_AWARD.pdf (PDF file, 673.35 kb, submitted 05/02/2011)
GCE-3-2011_GPS_Cabretta.zip (Zip archive, 23.2 kb, submitted 07/28/2011)
GCE-3-2011_GPS_Lighthouse.zip (Zip archive, 10.06 kb, submitted 07/28/2011)
GCE-3-2011_GIS_GCE3_Cabretta_Lighthouse_Richards.zip (Zip archive, 11.39 kb, submitted 08/04/2011)
GCE-3-2011_Permits_LOA.pdf (PDF file, 50.07 kb, submitted 02/25/2012)
GCE-3-2011_Maps_Cabretta_Research_GCE3_Richards.kml (KML file, 1.6 kb, submitted 03/05/2012)
GCE-3-2011_Maps_Lighthouse_Point_ge_GCE3_Richards.kml (KML file, 1.47 kb, submitted 03/05/2012)
