Abstract

The native flora of the Great Smoky Mountains have been traditionally utilized by local communities for their nutritional content or ceremonial value. Sochan (Rudbeckia laciniata L., Asteraceae) is one such plant that has been harvested by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) for thousands of years, eaten in spring ceremonies. Since the National Park Service (NPS) was created in 1934, multiple sets of rules and regulations have been enacted for the collection of native plants. Most recently, under 36 CFR Part 2, tribal governments such as the EBCI can collect and harvest native plants if they hold traditional value. However, the effects of such harvests on population size, structure, and genetic diversity of plants including R. laciniata is unknown, and means to measure sochan’s genetic diversity have yet to be developed. The purpose of this research was to develop genetic markers in order to examine the effects of harvesting on R. laciniata populations in order to recommend sustainable harvesting practices. First, we collected 30 leaf samples from each of three R. laciniata populations in western North Carolina; each site had more than 100 sochan individuals. Thus far, 32 leaf samples have had their DNA extracted and amplified at 24 microsatellite loci. Of these loci, 15 have yielded amplicons, and 5 of those showed polymorphisms. These loci and data collected from them will be given to NPS as a baseline measure of genetic diversity, and compared to plants from harvested and unharvested park populations. This research intends to preserve not only the species, but also traditional practices of the EBCI.

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