Hybridization

Hybridization is an interesting puzzle, as it is relatively rare in the field but more common in the evolutionary history of many plant species. 

Hybridization: Hybridization is much more common in plants than in animals. Anthropogenic changes such as habitat fragmentation and the movement of species, have brought species together which were previously separated by geography. This has increased the frequency of hybridization in some systems. 

Working with several collaborators, My lab’s research is focused on: 

• Investigating the potential threat of hybridization to populations of rare species, including Gentiana puberulenta in Illinois (Melissa Duda MS), Lantana depressa in Florida (Joyce Maschinski) and Lespedeza leptostachya in Minnesota (Alona Banai MS 2008), as well as the role hybridization might be playing in Phragmites australis invasion in the Chicago area (Dan Larkin
  • Current Members:  Melissa Duda (MS, co-advised with Andrea Kramer)
  • Past Members: Eileen Sirkin (Volunteer), Amy Price (MS), Alona Banai (MS)
•  The concern of hybridization in ex situ collections (Sean Hoban, Morton). With many species of one taxonomic group in one space we remove geographic barriers creating an increased risk of hybridization. This work is focused on a selection of genera (Magnolia, Oak, Cycad and Juglans)
  • Current Members:  Dylan Cohen (Postdoc), Stephen Girard (MS)

Publications

• Fant, J.B., A. Banai, K. Havens and P. Vitt (2010) Morphological and molecular evidence of hybridization between the federally threatened Lespedeza leptostachya Englem. and its co-occurring congener Lespedeza capitata Michx. Conservation Genetics 11 (6) 2195-2205
• Maschinski J., E. Sirkin and J.B. Fant(2010) Using Genetic and Morphological Analysis to distinguish endangered taxa from their hybrids with the cultivated exotic pest plant Lantanastrigocamara (syn: Lantana camara) Conservation Genetics 11 (5) 1607-1621
• Fant, J.B., E. Kamau, and C.D. Preston (2005) Chloroplast evidence for the hybrid origin of Potamogeton x fluitans.  Aquatic Botany 83 (2) 154-160
• Fant J.B. and C.D. Preston (2004) Genetic structure and morphological variation of British populations of the hybrid Potamogeton x salicifolius Wolfg. Bot. J. of the Lin. Soc 144 (1): 99-112
• Fant, J.B., E. Kamau and C.D. Preston (2003) Chloroplast evidence for the hybrid origin of Potamogeton x sudermanicus Hagstr. Aquatic Botany 75 (4): 351-356
• Fant, J.B., C.D. Preston and J.A.Barrett (2001) Isozyme evidence of the hybrid origin of Potamogeton x sudermanicus as resulting from the cross between P.berchtoldii and P.acutifolius. Aquatic Botany 71(3): 199-208
• Fant, J.B., C.D. Preston and J.A.Barrett (2001) Allozyme evidence of the parental origin and possible fertility of the hybrid Potamogeton x fluitans. Plant Systematics and Evolution 229 (1-2): 45-57