BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Matt Estep, associate professor and honors director in the Appalachian State University Department of Biology, is the co-author of a new study providing the first genetic evidence supporting a second species of ramps.
The study, titled "New Microsatellite Markers Distinguish Two Species of Ramps (Allium tricoccum Aiton Complex, Amaryllidaceae) and Show Variation in Clonality and Genetic Diversity between Species and among Populations," was published in PLOS One in October.
A ramp, or wild leek, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the forests of eastern North America used for cooking and in medicine. Previously, little was known about the genetic diversity of ramps. Using high-resolution genetic analysis, the authors of the PLOS One study found sufficient genetic variability in the samples to support the existence of a second species of wild ramps. Dr. Sarah Nilson, associate professor of biology at Penn State Beaver and lead author of the study, explained that the finding could help better support sustainable harvesting and land management to preserve the plants.
To read more about the study, see the press release published by Penn State.
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The Department of Biology is a community of teacher-scholars, with faculty representing the full breadth of biological specializations — from molecular genetics to landscape/ecosystem ecology. The department seeks to produce graduates with sound scientific knowledge, the skills to create new knowledge, and the excitement and appreciation of scientific discovery. Learn more at biology.appstate.edu.
Dr. Matt Estep is an associate professor and the honors director in the Appalachian State University Department of Biology.
Dr. Matt Estep is an associate professor and the honors director in the Appalachian State University Department of Biology.