Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Baldwin, John

Abstract

Anthropogenic impacts, including urbanization and development of the Greater Everglades ecosystem, have severely reduced and fragmented populations of Bletia purpurea. Differences across populations in Florida, such as habitat preferences, blooming periods, and self-fertilization abilities have been documented. Genetic data is becoming essential for developing effective conservation strategies to prevent the disappearance of threatened orchids from the wild. Using a target capture method with the Orchidaceae963 baitset, we assessed the genetic diversity of eight wild populations and five cultivated sources of B. purpurea. Our findings reveal two areas of concern; S1 which forms a distinct genetic cluster, and E3, where inbreeding rates are notably high. Additionally, three of the five cultivated sources showed significant differentiation from the wild populations, highlighting the need for more diverse maternal lines in cultivation efforts. These results emphasize the critical role of genetic assessments in informing conservation strategies for threatened orchid populations.

Extent

95 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (MS)--Florida Atlantic University, 2024.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00014560

Format

pdf

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