Dr. Sean HobanBiological and Biomedical Research Seminar Biological and Biomedical Research Seminar
The Biological Sciences & Biomedical Sciences Research Seminar Series presents Sean Hoban, Ph.D. discussing “Conserving Genetic Diversity in Botanic Gardens Using Data and Models” on March 1 at 4 p.m.
Hoban is a tree conservation biologist at The Morton Arboretum.
- For Zoom information, contact the host Dr. Diego Alvarado-Serrano.
- Hoban also agreed to meet with people before (3-3:45 p.m.) and after the talk (5-6 p.m.). If you are interested, please contact Alvarado-Serrano.
Abstract: The world’s botanic gardens and seed banks collectively safeguard millions of plants from more than 100,000 species. However, it is not known how to optimally sample each species to conserve genetic diversity and adaptive potential. I investigated this question with datasets from eleven rare taxa in five genera, as well as with computational simulations, and with a case study in a common tree species. In this talk I will discuss how species are meeting global conservation targets, the role of phylogeny in minimum sample size, optimal collection strategies, allocation of resources dependent on collector constraints, and how sample sizes depend on collector values and priorities. In summary, current plant collections are insufficient (not reaching targets) and suboptimal (not efficiently designed), but new guidance can be achieved with data and models. I will close with critical next steps for the plant conservation community.
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