Sapelo Research Application Form


Research Application ID:  GCE-4-2011 (submitted: 05/02/2011, status: approved)

Provide a brief title for web display

Survey of genetic and epigenetic diversity across Borrichia frutescens and Spartina alterniflora sites (follow-up to Richards et al 2004 Ecology Letters)

Investigator Information

On Island Sponsor: GCE SINERR UGAMI GADNR

Principal Investigator: Christina L. Richards
Home Institution: University of South Florida
Award Information: USF start-up 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

In 2000, I sampled Borrichia frutescens and Spartina alterniflora sites around Sapelo Island to document clonal structure and genetic diversity using allozymes. I will sample the same sites using AFLP and MS-AFLP to document changes in genetic structure over these 10 years (and relate to climate measurements) as well as epigenetic structure across the natural environmental gradients of the marsh.

Where will the project be located?

Leaf samples only will be collected at six sites total: B. frutescens: Cabretta, Hunt Camp, Lighthouse, Marsh Landing, Shell Hammock S. alterniflora: Cabretta, Hunt Camp, Island Apex, Lighthouse, Marsh Landing

How will you provide GPS coordinates for study sites?

I will arrange with my research 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:  05/20/2011

How many people will access the site and at what frequency?

4-5 people to collect leaves for a few hours at each site, 1 time only.

Please list keywords (as many as are appropriate) that describe your project:

Taxonomic/Functional group: plants

Organisms: Spartina, Borrichia

Habitat type: marsh, creek

Study theme: plant ecology, population ecology, botany

Likely long-term impacts of the study: no long-term impacts

What equipment will be deployed in the field?

none

Will plants or animals be collected as part of this study?

10-20 cm of plant leaf tissue only- not destructive to the whole plant

What are the likely impacts of the project on the site?

Minimal trampling during collection.

Will the project design include boardwalks? If not, explain why not.

No- no boardwalks available and access for less than one day.

How long will impacts persist after the research is concluded?

less than a season