Restoration ecology in the age of genetic information: Using genetic tools to guide restoration success

Restoration ecology is a rapidly advancing field of research that is changing the way restoration projects are designed and implemented.  One aspect of restoration ecology that has received little attention is the role that population genetic information can play in ensuring the restoration of damaged ecosystems.  In this study we examine how genetic diversity in three riparian species (Populus fremontii, Salix exigua, S. goodingii) affects their ability to adapt and survive in a common garden restoration project along the Lower Colorado River (LCR) bordering Arizona and California.  We used AFLP technology to determine genotypes for over 500 individuals from different populations of each species.  Preliminary results reveal roughly similar within (Hs) and among (Gst) population genetic variation for each of the three species (Hs/Gst: P. fremontii = 0.082/0.43; S. exigua = 0.122/0.40 S. goodingii = 0.078/0.40).  Based on these results we have propagated, designed and established mosaic plantings of the three species (N = 22196 individuals) with the following questions in mind: (1) Does genetic variability contribute to restoration success as measured by (a) planting survivorship and (b) monitoring of biodiversity of restored riparian communities; and (2) Do co-occurring genotypes provide an advantage when planted in a common garden setting?  Our restoration strategy is designed to answer each of these questions so as to better inform land managers of the role genetic diversity may play in the restoration of riparian ecosystems, especially those along the LCR.