Safeguarding collections To avoid losing precious genetic material to any sudden extirpations, we collect a small fraction of wild plant material from each sub-population for safeguarding. The cuttings and seeds obtained from different mother plants are labelled and stored separately. This ‘maternal line tracking’ helps to maintain the genetic diversity of collections in our Conservation Seed Bank and Safeguarding Nursery. Plant material for which we have data on maternal or biparental lineages is of the highest conservation value.
Research GROWTH & ANATOMY Mountain golden heather can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. But since this species grows on extremely thin soils, the root architecture of seedling tap roots versus adventitious cutting roots may affect the survival of outplants. In collaboration with researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, we are evaluating root growth architecture in seeds versus vegetative cuttings to understand how plants should be cultivated for out-planting in the wild. POPULATION GENETICS Populations must contain diverse genes if they are to adapt to environmental change. We use molecular tools to understand the distribution of genetic diversity within and among wild populations, so that conservation efforts can focus on preserving the greatest genetic variation possible. We can also detect signs of inbreeding depression. Our genetic research helps to inform future collections for safeguarding, as well as the planning of augmentation or translocation projects.
Augment & translocate Prescribed Burns To thrive, mountain golden heather requires open and sunny habitats. Such conditions are maintained by natural wildfires, which curb the encroachment of taller, fire-sensitive trees. We plan to work with the USDA Forest Service to perform prescribed burns where permitted, to restore mountain golden heather habitats.
When a sub-population of mountain golden heather is at extreme risk of extirpation, our safeguarding collections can provide material for outplanting in the wild. Out-planting projects are a last resort and must be carefully informed by genetic research – introduced plant material must be genetically compatible with local populations, so as to not unintentionally change the local gene pool. In rare instances, wild plants may have to be moved away from current areas of high disturbance.
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