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Staff Directory

Plant Science — OUR SCIENTISTS

Jeremie Fant, Ph.D.

Plant Biology, Ecological Genetics
Manager, Plant Biology and Seed Labs

Ph.D., Cambridge University, 2000

PUBLICATIONS
(847) 835-6959

Research Interests

Ecological genetics is the study of how evolutionary forces (adaptation, migration, etc.) shape the patterns of biodiversity observed in nature. My research focuses on restoring and managing plant populations to allow these natural processes to continue, even in presence of anthropogenic disturbances. Using a combination of molecular and quantitative techniques, we try to better understand the level and distribution of genetic diversity within a species—in particular, the role adaptation to local conditions as well as pollen and seed dispersal have played in creating these patterns. Currently my species of interest include Eriogonum spp. (America buckwheat), Penstemon spp. (Beardtongues) and Cirsium spp. (Thistles).

Current Projects

• Seed transfer zone research on Penstemon and Eriogonum: Andrea Kramer and I are using a combination of genetic and quantitative techniques to investigate ecosystem distinctiveness in two Great Basin genera, Eriogonum and Penstemon. We are using genetic markers to determine the distribution of genetic diversity and distance of gene flow between populations. In addition, we are using common garden trials to correlate differences in growth characteristics to growing conditions at their sites of origin, which allows us to work out which characteristics are important for restoration success. Mary Stupen (UIUC) is investigating more fine-scale gene flow between and within mountain ranges of one of our study species, Eriogonum microthecum; we know little about its pollination biology.
• Importance of pollinators in Great Basin communities: Andrea Kramer, Rebecca Tonietto, and I are investigating differences in pollinator communities on different mountain ranges in the Great Basin. Through a better understanding of how pollinators influence the plant communities that depend upon them for successful reproduction, we can help to ensure that restoration efforts not only reestablish plant communities, but all community-level processes.
• Maternal lines vs. bulk seed collection: Andrea Kramer, Jennifer Ison (UIC doctoral student), and I will be investigating potential loses in genetic diversity through seed bulking practices, commonly used by restoration practitioners and breeders. Little empirical evidence is available on how much genetic diversity may be lost in the process, so the practice of bulking seed continues to be commonly employed.
• Pitcher's thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) research: I have been working with Kayri Havens, Pati Vitt, and scientists at the Morton Arboretum and Chicago State University on a long-term ecological research project using more than 10 years genetic and demographic data to study "population persistence" by comparing long-term dynamics of natural and experimentally restored plant populations of Cirsium pitcheri (Pitcher's thistle), a federally listed endangered species. One important concern with any restoration is problems arising from inbreeding. Using common garden plants, Benjamin Staehlin (NU MS program) will be comparing fitness characteristics of small isolated and potentially inbred populations to that of a larger, healthier population.
• Hill's thistle (Cirsium hillii) research: With the help of POC volunteers, we have been monitoring efforts and have shown that most populations in the Chicago area are relatively stable overall. Our genetic work has confirmed that both sexual and asexual reproduction has played an important role in the creation of most of these populations. We have found that Chicago region populations of this species are unique and genetically diverse.

publications and Presentations

Fant, J.B., Holmstrom R.M., Sirkin, E., Etterson, J.R. and Masi, S. 2008. Genetic structure of threatened native populations and propagules used for restoration in a clonal species, Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass). Restoration Ecology (OnlineEarly Articles).

Fant, J.B., Susanne Masi, Keller, J.M. and Mann, R. 2007. Investigating the reproductive health of Hill's thistle's (Cirsium hillii) populations in the Chicago Region. Chicago Wilderness Journal Vol. 5, No. 1.

Kramer, A.T. and J.B. Fant. 2007. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Penstemon rostriflorus (Plantaginaceae) and cross species amplification. Molecular Ecology Notes 7 (6):998-1001.

Fant, J.B., E. Kamau, and C.D. Preston. 2005. Chloroplast evidence for the hybrid origin of Potamogeton x fluitans. Aquatic Botany 83(2):154-160.

Fant, J.B. and C.D. Preston. 2004. Genetic structure and morphological variation of British populations of the hybrid Potamogeton x salicifolius Wolfg. Bot. J. Botanical Journal of the Lin. Society 144(1):99-112.

Fant, J.B., E. Kamau and C.D. Preston. 2003. Chloroplast evidence for the hybrid origin of Potamogeton x sudermanicus Hagstr. Aquatic Botany 75(4):351-356.

Fant, J.B., C.D. Preston and J.A. Barrett. 2001. Isozyme evidence of the hybrid origin of Potamogeton x sudermanicus as resulting from the cross between P. berchtoldii and P. acutifolius. Aquatic Botany 71(3):199-208.

Fant, J.B., C.D. Preston and J.A. Barrett. 2001. Allozyme evidence of the parental origin and possible fertility of the hybrid Potamogeton x fluitans. Plant Systematics and Evolution 229(1-2):45-57.