Presentation description

Salsola tragus, commonly known as Russian Thistle or Tumbleweed, is an invasive species whose adaptability to harsh, disturbed ecosystems threatens infrastructure and native ecosystems. Mature S. tragus breaks off of its root system and can disperse thousands of seeds via wind, rapidly colonizing new areas. Additionally, these matured plants collect on housing, fences, and roads, inconveniencing land managers and increasing fire risk. The success of S. tragus is likely due to a combination of genetic variation and plasticity; however, the extent to which each factor contributes remains unclear.

This project aims to investigate whether leaves from plants originating from warmer climates will have different leaf traits than those from cooler climates, indicating genetic differentiation linked to local adaptation. In order to examine this relationship, two common gardens were set up in Salt Lake City (cooler) and St. George (warmer) with plants originating from five Utah locations: Logan, Park City, Dugway, Rio Mesa, and St. George.

Each seed population was grown in uniform soil and insulated containers. Throughout the season, I collected physiological measurements, including leaf water potential and leaf mass per area. This data was used to assess if varying leaf traits reflect genetic differences tied to climate origin or short-term plastic responses to local conditions.