Genomic Structure Among Populations of a Regionally Rare Perennial Plant Indicates the Need for Reevaluation of Management Units

Conservation of rare species often relies on the delineation of management units and genomic tools can now be applied for this purpose. However, this is not as common on a local scale, where populations are often small and fragmented, despite the utility of informing conservation and management practice at the regional level. We use a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach to assess the perennial riparian plant species Baptisia australis (Fabaceae) in Pennsylvania, where the taxon is at the edge of its natural distribution and considered threatened. In this system, we investigate whether sampled subpopulations exhibit genetic structure. We find that genetic structure largely aligns with the waterways that were sampled, with five genetic clusters, one for each of three waterways and two additional clusters along a fourth waterway. This work directly addresses conservation priorities in the state and informs delineation of management units that will be used in conservation practices.