BLM UT Study of the Dwarf Bear-Claw Poppy in Washington County, Utah

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The dwarf bear-claw poppy is a listed endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and is restricted in distribution to western Washington County, Utah. Studies conducted in recent years have found significants difference in fruits/flower, seeds/fruit and the weight of seeds among the seven poppy populations. To further that work, this project will conduct several studies at each of the seven populations. Pollinator studies would consist of viewing and collecting insects visiting flowers for specific periods of time. Insects would be identified, and counted. Specific flowers would be assayed for pollen grain numbered and tagged to estimated fruit set. A series of experimental hand pollinations would be undertaken. Flowers at different population sized sites would be would be pollinated to determine biologically whether smaller populations are more genetically challenged than larger populations. The number of successful mating types will be estimated and compared among populations by cross-pollinating at least three flowers on each of 15-25 plants with donor pollen from each of three flowers at different distances from the pollen recipient. Comparisons would be made among populations in fruits/flowers, seeds/fruit and fruit weight. Lastly, a series of labeled pollen studies at each of the populations would be undertaken to determine the movement of pollen between populations.

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