Malheur Valley Fiddleneck (Amsinckia carinata)

Morphological measurements, cytological studies and molecular comparison were used to determine if Amsinckia carinata and A. vernicosa are taxonomically distinct. While molecular studies could not be finished due to limited funding, both morphological and cytological comparisons indicate that A. carinata and A. vernicosa are indeed distinct species. They have different chromosomes numbers and experimental cross-pollination between species resulted in no seed set (Meinke b). Investigation of Amsinckia carinata and A. tessellata reproductive biology revealed that the species are indistinguishable in terms of flower production, seed set, germinability of seeds, and seedling growth rates through eight weeks. Both species are fully self-fertile, but do outcross in nature and are pollinated by native bees (Osmia spp. and Megachile spp). These pollinators lack plant fidelity, and hybrid Amsinckia forms between the two species occur (Meinke a).

Six occurrences are known. At these few sites, the plants may be numerous in years of adequate rainfall. This species was thought to be extinct; it had not been seen since 1896 when it was rediscovered in 1984. It is intolerant of disturbance and is threatened by grazing and agriculture.

Mining, which destroys the talus substrate (Meinke a). Grazing and range improvements (Meinke, 1982). Agricultural conversion (Meinke, 1982). General surface disturbances (Meinke 1982). Hybridization and competition from Amsinckia tessellata (Dev

Six population centers, ranging from one to a few acres, each with several scattered subpopulations. The total range is less than 12 square miles (30 sq km) (in Meinke a). As of 1989 (last census), 1 site with 1 individual, 3 sites with 100-1000 individuals, 1 site with an estimated 5,800 and 1 site with an estimated 10,000 individuals. Because this is an annual species, numbers vary greatly between years depending on conditions (ONHDB 2000)

Morphological measurements, cytological studies and molecular comparison were used to determine if Amsinckia carinata and A. vernicosa are taxonomically distinct. While molecular studies could not be finished due to limited funding, both morphological and cytological comparisons indicate that A. carinata and A. vernicosa are indeed distinct species. They have different chromosomes numbers and experimental cross-pollination between species resulted in no seed set (Meinke b). Investigation of Amsinckia carinata and A. tessellata reproductive biology revealed that the species are indistinguishable in terms of flower production, seed set, germinability of seeds, and seedling growth rates through eight weeks. Both species are fully self-fertile, but do outcross in nature and are pollinated by native bees (Osmia spp. and Megachile spp). These pollinators lack plant fidelity, and hybrid Amsinckia forms between the two species occur (Meinke a).

State listing by Oregon Department of Agriculture as a Threatened taxa U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed species from consideration for listing under Endangered Species Act because it did not meet the Act's definition of ""species."" However, now that the taxonomic status has been verified, it may be reconsidered for listing (Meinke b). Seed from 2 of the 6 known populations centers banked at Berry Botanic Garden

Exclude cattle from sites. Analyze the genetic variability within and among populations (Meinke a) Study the extent of hybridization with A. tesselata (Meinke a)

Collect and store seeds from across range. Attempt to collect seed from plants not in vicinity of A. tessellata. Determine optimum germination conditions. Determine optimum propagation methods and reintroduction protocols.