Date of Graduation
Summer 2014
Degree
Master of Science in Plant Science (Biology)
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
László Kovács
Abstract
Grape breeding relies on traits introgressed from wild Vitis species. One of the most valuable genetic resources for hybrid grapevine and rootstock breeding is the rock grape (Vitis rupestris Scheele). This North American species, which was once common in eight states, now grows in natural populations only along streams and rivers on the Ozark Plateau, mostly in Missouri. Despite the rock grape’s prominent role in viticulture and its dwindling numbers, its population structure has not been studied in depth until now. In this study, several natural populations from Missouri and one from Oklahoma were examined. Genetic variation and population structure were estimated using microsatellite markers. The results indicate that V. rupestris populations are differentiated which may be the result of the populations' geographic isolation from one another and may potentially lead to genetic erosion in the species.
Keywords
Vitis rupestris, population, rock grape, microsatellite, structure
Subject Categories
Fruit Science
Copyright
© Dániel Pap
Recommended Citation
Pap, Dániel, "The Genetic Structure of Vitis Rupestris Populations on the Ozark Plateau" (2014). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 3062.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3062
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