ISSR marker diversity in S. hallii (Cyperaceae) populations of Illinois
E. Archdale, T. Stapay, M. Smith, P. McKenzie and E. Esselman
Schoenoplectus hallii, commonly known as Hall's bulrush, is an annual species restricted to
wetland habitats that experience fluctuating water levels. This rare taxon has suffered devastating
population losses over the last 25 years in Illinois and the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board
lists S. hallii as threatened in 2009. In this study we used ISSR markers to examine the levels of
genetic diversity in two of the 2009 eight existing populations in Illinois of S. hallii. Preliminary results
suggest that the sampled Illinois populations contain higher levels of genetic similarity than those
found in most other populations examined.