MCF: Molecular Analysis to Assess Genetic Change in Panicum miliaceum Resulting From Range Expansion and Introgression After Colonization

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Panicum miliaceum is a minor crop in the United States and Canada. Around 1970, a black-grained biotype appeared as a weed of row crops in the Midwest and in Canada. At least six other crop-like biotypes are growing as weeds in row crops in Canada. The recent colonization of North America by the black biotype where it is frequently sympatric with crop and crop-like weeds affords a unique opportunity to study evolution in the early stages after colonization. DNA molecular techniques are more sensitive to genetic variation than are either allozyme electrophoresis or morphological characters. The Principal Investigator will use DNA molecular techniques in Barbara Schaal's lab in Washington University to assess genetic relationships among biotypes, measure genetic change in the black biotype as it has expanded its range, and search for introgression between various weed populations and crops. This study will shed light on the role of genetic variation among populations of successful colonizing species. After this project, DNA molecular techniques will enhance the P.I.'s current research in population biology. Molecular biology techniques will make the study of plant population biology more attractive to his undergraduate students for their independent research projects.