M.S. - Botany
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY OF DUBAUTIA MENZIESII (THE HALEAKALĀ KŪPAOA) AND ITS INTERACTION WITH POLLINATORS IN HALEAKALĀ(2024) Guisado Chavez, Juan Francisco; Drake, Donald; BotanyItem Network-derived indicators of microbiome stability across a Hawaiian watershed(2024) Kajihara, Kacie Toshiko; Hynson, Nicole; BotanyItem E Hoʻokohukohu I Nā Limu O Hawaiʻi: Developing Methodologies For Limu Identification And Socio-Cultural Knowledge Enshrouded In The Nūpepa Hawaiʻi(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2022) Ornelas, Brianna; Smith, Celia; BotanyDespite the spiritual, social and nutritional uses, as well as the ecological value that native algae, or limu, have in Hawaiʻi, only 30 known modern species names (Linnaean binomials) are accepted as tied to the thousand-year-old Hawaiian names for the same plants. Past syntheses documented over 200 Hawaiian names of limu but those studies lack several levels of confirmation. Thus, despite the diversity of research on limu across molecular, taxonomic and ecological perspectives, very little work has focused on the deep reservoir of traditional knowledge. More specifically no studies have approached this topic via the recently published database of nūpepa from the last century. The goal of this research was to explore the content of the historic Hawaiian nūpepa, or newspapers, in the online Papakilo database for Hawaiian names of limu and other traditional limu knowledge. Because of the novelty of this project, new methods were created and tested to survey, organize, and analyze the vast collection of nūpepa information. Articles that were deemed relevant to the thesis questions were archived into a Google Suite database created specifically for this project. Out of the hundreds of articles that were screened in the Nūpepa, 82 were selected as being of interest, archived in the database and categorized into five groups based on content. Four articles were translated in depth that described limu inoa, locations, and uses. One particular limu inoa, limu lipuʻupuʻu is currently under review for a possible update. This project can help inform conservation efforts by making traditional knowledge more accessible, but also by bringing traditional names of limu back into use by numerous communities including traditional practitioners, anthropologists, conservationists, and scientists.Item Exploring and applying symbioses between a Hawaiian endemic orchid and mycorrhizal partner for conservation(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2022) Chapin, Thomas K.; Hynson, Nicole A.; BotanyOrchids rely on associated orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) from the earliest stages of development to provide vital nutrients and even carbon. This carbon dependence, termed mycoheterotrophy, can be variable over time and environmental conditions, with many orchids remaining partially mycoheterotrophic even once they produce leaves capable of photosynthesis. Due to the marked difference between photosynthetic C3 plant and fungal pathways of carbon acquisition, previous studies have used stable isotope signatures to estimate the percent of fungal-derived carbon, and thus the degree of mycoheterotrophy, of orchids. However, orchids associating with so-called rhizoctonia fungi (orders Cantharellales and Sebacinales) have shown carbon signatures similar to autotrophic plants, despite nitrogen isotopic signatures characteristic of mycoheterotrophy, spurring a hypothesized condition coined “cryptic mycoheterotrophy”. C and N isotopic analyses were performed on fungal hyphal pelotons (Ceratobasidium, order Cantharellales) from roots of the rhizoctonia-associated Hawaiian endemic orchid Anoectochilus sandvicensis from three bog sites at Ka‘ala Natural Area Reserve (KNAR), Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, alongside leaves of the orchid and surrounding autotrophic reference plants. Previous research shows that the adult Hawaiian orchid Anoectochilus sandvicensis engages in unexpected symbiotic specificity, associating with only three operational taxonomic units of the genus Ceratobasidium throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. Cultures of one Ceratobasidium sp. from these Oʻahu bog sites were produced and employed to support the germination of Anoectochilus sandvicensis seeds collected from Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi Island. Upon isotope analysis, fungal samples were found to be significantly enriched in 13C, though considerably less so than ectomycorrhizal or other saprotrophic fungi. Orchids had significantly higher 15N enrichment and nitrogen concentration values consistent with expectations for a food chain, due to accumulations of 15N-heavy compounds and digestion of N-rich fungal biomass. Additionally, the presence of the fungal partner significantly increased seed germination rates, particularly on oatmeal agar media and under 14hr light/10hr dark conditions. Additionally, data shows the compatibility of A. sandvicensis seeds with a fungal operational taxonomic unit previously undetected on the originating island. However, as previously observed in other studies, failure to swiftly advance into higher stages of seed development suggests that this close mycorrhizal relative initiates germination but does not support later seedling growth. These data support prior findings of cryptic mycoheterotrophy of this species, provide a clearer picture of rhizoctonia isotopic signatures, and offer insight for future OMF culturing and symbiotic germination of these and other orchid species.Item Insights on the distribution of the endemic Hawaiian fern genus Adenophorus Gaudich. (Polypodiaceae) on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2021) Thomas, Miles Kealoha; Ticktin, Tamara; BotanyEpiphytes, plants that grow on other plants, are conspicuous members of manyecosystems around the globe but are most pronounced in humid forests. In tropical regions such as Hawaiʻi, upland wet forests sustain diverse communities of epiphytic vegetation, mainly consisting of bryophytes and ferns. Of the epiphytic ferns, the endemic genus Adenophorus Gaudich. (Polypodiaceae) is the most species-rich and represents a considerable amount of the biomass of Hawaiian epiphytic communities. However, little is known about the ecology and conservation status of this genus. This study assessed the distribution, abundance, and conservation status of Adenophorus species on the island of Oʻahu and identified some of the factors affecting it. I carried out surveys on transects along eight ridges of the Koʻolau mountains as well as in the Kaʻala Natural Area Reserve and sampled epiphytes on a total of 242 trees. Adenophorus abundance overall increased at higher elevations, although elevational patterns differed between species. Adenophorus oahuensis and A. haalilioanus distributions appear to be limited by elevation, the former at low elevations and the latter at higher elevations. Adenophorus abundance increased with bryophytes cover, and bryophytes appear to be important in the establishment of the gametophyte stage of these ferns. Adenophorus haalilioanus may exhibit host bias, but further studies are needed to confirm this. Several species of Adenophorus may be experiencing population declines (i.e., A. oahuensis, A. tripinnatifidus, and A. haalilioanus), a result of habitat degradation as well as shifts in precipitation likely due to climate change. Adenophorus abietinus shows great phenotypic variability and may warrant further investigation of two distinct varieties, one of which is mostly found at higher elevations near the Koʻolau summit ridge and may also be susceptible to perturbation by climatic changes in the near future if current trends of current climate change persist. These insights provide a strong foundation for the future conservation of these endemic ferns.Item Unearthing the Role of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Pine Invasions on Maui(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2021) Thompson, Leah; Hynson, Nicole A.; BotanyPines are one of the most invasive trees in the world, invading with the aid of belowground ectomycorrhizal fungal mutualists. Pinus radiata is currently invading multiple parts of the Hawaiian Islands, including near the Haleakalā National Park on the island of Maui. While there are no pines or their associated ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi that are native to Hawai‘i, previous studies have shown EM fungal species, especially suilloid species, associating with P. radiata up to 1000 m away from the original plantations. In order to predict areas on Maui that are susceptible to future pine invasions, we must understand how the distribution of EM fungi, specifically Suillus spp., varies across the landscape and how these invasive fungi affect pine seedling success. To do so, a bioassay experiment was performed in which P. radiata seeds were grown from soil collected at varying distances from the existing plantation at the Kula Forest Reserve. Pine seedling roots were visually analyzed for percent colonization of EM fungi, weighed, and sequenced for EM fungal community composition using Illumina amplicon sequencing. The community of EM fungi found 2000 m away from the plantation was significantly different than the community within and around the plantation, and largely comprised of Suillus spp. The percent colonization of bioassay roots by EM fungi increased with distance from the plantation and increased colonization was positively correlated with increased seedling biomass. With the aid of Suillus spp., P. radiata appears to have the symbiotic partners needed to aid in the dispersal and survivorship of seedling out into this landscape.Item Chronicles of Deep Reef Flowers: A Phylogenetic Monograph of the Family Kallymeniaceae (Rhodophyta) Associated with the Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems of Hawai‘i(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2020) Cabrera, Feresa Corazon Padillo; Sherwood, Alison R.; BotanyCryptic diversity, alternating life histories, ecological plasticity, and evolutionary lability of the few morphological characters available for identification of expanded red blades in the Family Kallymeniaceae have steered multiple studies to focus on a molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy (MAAT) approach to resolving their systematics and taxonomy. Among previous Hawaiian work is the 2010 Rhodophyta Biodiversity Survey of the Hawaiian Islands, which included several specimens of these expanded red blades, and an in-progress assessment of Hawaiian mesophotic algal communities. As part of the current effort to resolve the taxonomic placement of these expanded red blades, we conducted a molecular survey using multiple gene regions followed by floristic taxonomic treatments to address the taxonomic crisis so prevalent in the group. At least 300 specimens of expanded red blades were collected from both shallow and mesophotic depths to contribute to the establishment of a more comprehensive biodiversity catalog of Hawaiian marine algae. These specimens also provided an opportunity to examine a largely unexplored community at depths as great as 162 m. In Chapter 2, I examined stipitate red blades in Hawai‘i that we identified as Psaromenia and Meredithia, as models for investigating species delimitation in morphologically and molecularly diverse species. Our study resulted in the description of two new and presumed endemic Hawaiian species. In the subsequent supplementary chapter, I present the in-progress molecular survey that points to new species, new records and a number of range extensions for the expanded red blades of the Hawaiian Islands that still remain to be investigated in detail. The astounding species-level diversity unraveled and resolved in this study is prerequisite to investigating larger scale macroevolutionary patterns and highlights the importance of generating an accurate baseline dataset for future monitoring efforts.Item Biogeography And Phylogenetics Of The Hawaiian Endemic Hibiscadelphus, Hau Kuahiwi (malvaceae)(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2020) Champion, Solomon Joshua; Morden, Clifford W.; BotanyThe endemic Hawaiian flowering plant genus Hibiscadelphus was described by Joseph F. Rock based on two species found on Hawaii island and one species from Maui in 1911. In the years since, five additional species have been described, one from Hawaii island, two from Kauai, and one each from Lanai and Maui. In April 2012, A new species was discovered with a small remote population of ca. 99 mature individuals, the genus as whole is critically endangered. It had been proposed that the island colonization history of species in the genus followed the “Progression Rule”, a well-documented pattern in many Hawaiian taxa of progressive colonization from the older to younger islands, as new islands emerged from the sea. However, no molecular phylogeny has been published that tests this hypothesis for Hibiscadelphus. It is the purpose of this work to generate a phylogenetic hypothesis of Hibiscadelphus and its relationship to other genera of the Malvaceae based on chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequenced from a combination of samples from living plants, herbarium specimens, and accessions from the Hawaiian Plant DNA Library. DNA sequences were examined by both Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood approaches for phylogenetic reconstruction. Further, a fossil and island age calibrated BEAST analysis was performed with a Relaxed Log Normal molecular clock to estimate lineage divergence timing within the Hawaiian archipelago. The molecular clock estimate corroborates generally accepted dates for island ages and supports the hypothesis of the Hibiscadelphus radiation following the Progression Rule. The resulting phylogenies also indicate Hibiscadelphus as a monophyletic clade that is nested within the African Hibiscus section Calyphylli, from which they appear to have diverged approximately 10 mya. These results indicate the relationship of Hibiscus and Hibiscadelphus is paraphyletic and Hibiscadelphus should be reclassified within Hibiscus. This insight further suggests that there were five independent colonization events of Hibiscus to the Hawaiian Islands.Item Restoration of Hawaiian Tropical Dry Forests: A Biocultural Approach(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2020) Sato, Aimee You; Ticktin, Tamara; BotanyWorldwide, tropical dry forests are among the most endangered of all tropical forest ecosystems, and tropical dry forests once represented the greatest species diversity among forest types in Hawaiʻi. Current research shows that the extent of native tropical dry forest cover in Hawaiʻi may be as low as 1% of its original cover, with 45% of the tropical dry forest plant species at risk of endangerment. Despite the historical and current relationship of these forests with the wao kanaka (lower elevation human settlement zones), there has been little evaluation on the social-ecological outcomes of a biocultural approach to tropical dry forest restoration. Two forest restoration projects located within Kaʻūpūlehu and Auwahi, have excluded ungulates and removed alien plant species, and have used biocultural approaches to restoration. Drawing on these two sites as case-studies, this thesis discusses the motivations for, and components of a biocultural approach, provides a measure of the ecological success using a case-study of biocultural restoration at Kaʻūpūlehu, and includes an assessment on the status of tropical dry forest restoration projects across Hawaiʻi. This multidisciplinary study shows that the ecological success of the forest is directly interlinked with the social benefits of restoration, and I recommend that conservation and restoration efforts in Hawaiʻi should foster and recognize the continued relationship between the kaiaulu (human community) and kaiaola (ecosystem) of tropical dry forests.Item An ecological comparison of turf algae between two sites on West Maui that differ in anthropogenic impacts(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2019) BROWN, DONNA L.; Smith, Celia; BotanyKahekili Beach, on the northwest coast of Maui, Hawaiʻi has experienced multiple blooms of native and non-native algae over the past 30 years. These blooms have been associated with run-off from agriculture, coastal development, golf courses, and the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility injection wells which are now known as the source for substantial wastewater delivery to the coast. Multiple studies have examined the macro-algae, fish and invertebrate communities associated with the wastewater seeps in the nearshore water at Kahekili. However, the turf algae community has never been characterized. Turfs are a functional group made up of small multi-species assemblages of algae that are hard to identify in the field. They are important as a major source of primary production and they can also trap sediments, smother corals and compete with other benthic species for space. For this study, plugs with turf algae were taken from dead Porites spp. coral heads at Kahekili Beach and Olowalu as a comparison site with relatively oligotrophic water. Plugs were examined for turf height, sediment load, percent cover and identification to the lowest possible taxon. Herbivore fish data were obtained from the State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources to assess whether herbivore biomass would influence differences in the turf community between sites. At both sites turf height was positively correlated with higher sediment loads, however at Kahekili, turf was taller near-shore at the seep area compared to Olowalu, where turf was higher in deeper water off shore. Olowalu had higher species richness and near the seeps at Kahekili, many of the plugs had only cyanobacteria. Herbivore biomass for grazers and browsers was similar at both sites but scraper biomass was higher at Kahekili. These results indicated that the submarine groundwater coming from the LWRF is impacting the turf community at Kahekili by reducing species richness, promoting growth of cyanobacteria, and allowing turf to grow taller and trap more sediment.