Genetic methods to detect vertebrate herbivory on Thiem's buckwheat

Genetic methods to detect vertebrate herbivory on Thiem's buckwheat
FWS_Tiehms_eDNA_report_20201111.pdf3.57 MB

Environmental DNA (eDNA) was analyzed from damaged roots of Tiehm’s buckwheat (​Eriogonum tiehmii​), undamaged control root samples taken from undamaged plants, soil tailings adjacent to damaged buckwheat plants, control soil collected from undamaged plants, and rodent scat found near damaged plants. The analysis revealed three genetic signatures of a rodent species belonging to tribe Marmotini, a taxon that includes antelope ground squirrels (​Ammospermophilus​), prairie dogs (​Cynomys​), marmots (​Marmotus​), Chinese rock squirrels (​Sciurotamias​), ground squirrels and rock squirrels (​Spermophilus​), and chipmunks (​Tamias​).

Author(s)
Jacqualine Grant, Ph.D.
Publication date
Type of document
Report
Facility
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Reno Fish and Wildlife Office
The Reno Fish and Wildlife Office works with our partners to protect and conserve endangered fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats in Nevada's Great Basin, the Eastern Sierra, and the Tahoe Basin for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Conservation Office
Reno,NV
Program
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The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...
Program
Baileys Crossroads,VA
Species
Close up of Tiehm's buckwheat, a yellow flowering buckwheat.

Eriogonum tiehmii is a member of the Polygonaceae (buckwheat family). It is a low growing perennial herb forming a dense compact mat up to 10.8 inches (in; 30 centimeters (cm)) across and 6 in (16 cm) high. Leaves are only at the base of the plant, blueish gray in color, elliptic, and gray...

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Plantae
Taxonomic Rank
Species
FWS and DOI Region(s)
Pacific Southwest