We are working on taxonomy and systematics in the genus Agalinis. As
part of this work we are evaluating the utility of DNA barcoding in
identifying problematic specimens. We have developed a database of
reference specimens and sequences for most North American members of the
genus and we would like to test its utility on newly collected samples.
We are also very interested in expanding the reference collection to
include more species and more populations within species to better
represent the natural range of variation.
If your field work is bringing you in contact with Agalinis this season
we would be very interested in receiving samples of any species from
this genus. Note, you do not have to be 100% certain of the
identification. In fact we are very interested in testing the use of
barcoding on specimens that field biologists find difficult to classify.
We are particularly interested in samples of Agalinis decemloba, A.
obtusifolia, and A. tenella. We would also like to know of any current
locations for these three species (e.g., any populations that you have
observed in the last 1-3 years). Many of the historic locations we
obtained from herbarium records and natural heritage databases are no
longer appropriate habitat. Because these species are dependent on
disturbance, we are interested in locating known populations or
locations or recently burned or otherwise disturbed locations that could
support populations attributable to these species.
Samples must include a voucher specimen with precise locality
information and some fresh material from that specimen that we can use
to obtain DNA. We have found dried material exceedingly problematic in
PCR so we need to have fresh or frozen leaf or bud tissue for DNA
extractions.
We will send complete instructions to anyone able to send us material
and we will cover shipping costs.
Sincerely,
Maile Neel and Jamie Pettengill
Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture &
Department of Entomology
2116 Plant Sciences Building
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
USA
Office Phone (301) 405-9780
Cellular Phone (301) 395-0403
Fax: (301) 314-9308
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Lab Website: http://alyxia.umd.edu
