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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

genotypic analysis, Bromus tectorum, SNP

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Abstract

Bromus tectorum, commonly called cheatgrass or downy brome is an exotic annual invasive weed which was introduced to the western United States over hundred years ago. B. tectorum has quickly expanded its range, displacing native flora and causing extensive loss of shrub and rangeland habitats along with supporting devastating wildfires, especially in the intermountain west region. Consequently, this invasive weed’s control is a growing concern. However, current control methods being used like control burning, herbicides, etc. are non-specific and mostly ineffective. Methods of biological control are currently under investigation, of which one of them is using the fungus, Pyrenophora semeniperda (aka Black Fingers of Death, BFOD). Because cheatgrass genotypes exhibit varying levels of resistance to BFOD and other methods of biological control, it would be helpful to know which genotypes are present in which geographical areas. In order to develop effective control strategies, genotyping individuals from different populations of cheatgrass are required.

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