Using Molecular Markers to Guide the in Situ Conservation of Trifolium Thompsonii, a Vulnerable Endemic of Washington.

Thomson clover (Trifolium thompsonii) is an attractive endemic found within a 150 km sq area on the east sides of the Cascade Mountains, bordering the Columbia River. Only 9-14 populations have been documented. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic structure within and between populations to determine if existing strategies to protect one population are suffecient to protect the genetic variabilty of the entire species.  AFLP and SSR analysis was carried out on 50 plants from 8 populations and STRUCTURE was used to examine the genetic structure within and between populations.