Germination trials conducted at The Berry Botanic Garden. Initial results indicated very low germination (about 3%). A 50C heat treatment increased germination to ~15%, indicating that heat treatment helps break seed dormancy (Guerrant 1991) Germination trials. After 8 weeks of cold stratification, 60-80% of seeds germinated in constant 20C or alternating 20/10C. When embryos were excised (removed from the seed coat) and then subjected to 8 weeks of cold stratification, 100% germination was obtained with either constant 20C or alternating 10/20C temperatures (BBG File).

Researchers investigated the levels of genetic diversity within and among populations, clonal-spread, and geographic components of genetic variation for populations in the Eugene and Roseburg BLM Districts. Mean genetic diversity in Aster vialis was found to be lower that that of other plants investigated using the same ISSR protocol. Putative clones were identified within several populations by shared haplotypes, and patterns of presence and absence of loci. However, some haplotypes were shared between disjunct populations, indicating that ISSR haplotype analysis may underestimate genetic variation. Estimated among population differentiation from allele frequencies was intermediate, and the greatest variation was contained within populations. Patterns of genetic differentiation did not generally match spatial distribution (Erhart and Liston 2001). Taxonomic review (Kaye et al. 1991)

This species' range is limited to central and southern, western Oregon and the very northern border of California. There are about 100 populations known, with a total of fewer than 9000 individual plants. Many of populations are along roadsides and in areas of residential development; none are considered protected.

Habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural development (Meinke 1982). Habitat fragmentation leading to decreased pollen flow and inbreeding depression. (Kaye et al. 1991 and Wogen 1998). Fire suppression, which leads to excessive understory br

As of 2001: 81 known sites; a few large populations exist, but most populations contain fewer than 100 stems.

Taxonomic review (Kaye et al. 1991) In vitro germination procedures developed by CREW (Center for Reproduction of Endangered Wildlife) at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (BBG File). Breeding system experiments utilizing different pollination treatments demonstrated that Aster vialis is completely self-sterile (Kaye et al. 1991) Study of seed structure (Florance 1994). Germination trials. Embryos were excised (removed from the seed coat and endosperm sac), and then treated with solutions of varying pH. Slightly basic solutions led to development of the embryos, suggesting that pH may have a major effect on breaking seed dormancy. In the wild, events such as fire that affect soil pH may be important in seed germination and population maintenance (Florance 1994) Germination trials conducted at The Berry Botanic Garden. Initial results indicated very low germination (about 3%). A 50C heat treatment increased germination to ~15%, indicating that heat treatment helps break seed dormancy (Guerrant 1991) Germination trials. After 8 weeks of cold stratification, 60-80% of seeds germinated in constant 20C or alternating 20/10C. When embryos were excised (removed from the seed coat) and then subjected to 8 weeks of cold stratification, 100% germination was obtained with either constant 20C or alternating 10/20C temperatures (BBG File). Researchers investigated the levels of genetic diversity within and among populations, clonal-spread, and geographic components of genetic variation for populations in the Eugene and Roseburg BLM Districts. Mean genetic diversity in Aster vialis was found to be lower that that of other plants investigated using the same ISSR protocol. Putative clones were identified within several populations by shared haplotypes, and patterns of presence and absence of loci. However, some haplotypes were shared between disjunct populations, indicating that ISSR haplotype analysis may underestimate genetic variation. Estimated among population differentiation from allele frequencies was intermediate, and the greatest variation was contained within populations. Patterns of genetic differentiation did not generally match spatial distribution (Erhart and Liston 2001).

Listed Threatened in Oregon Aster vialis falls under the jurisdiction of The Northwest Forest Plan where it has been identified as a species associated with late-successional and old-growth forests. It also has BLM Special Status Plant Species designation and is classified as a BLM Sensitive species. The Eugene District BLM initiated monitoring in 1989. Results from this monitoring however, reveal few trends in population numbers. A multi-agency and organization proposal to determine the response of Aster vialis to habitat modification at several sites in the Eugene District, and subsequent improvement of potential habitat has been developed. Seed from at least 13 populations collected and stored at the Berry Botanic Garden.

Conduct inventories for Aster vialis. (Kaye et al. 1991) Determine how seed predation and browsing impact reproduction (Wogen 1998) Determine ecological and habitat requirements, especially for promoting and maintaining seedling recruitment and flowering. (Kaye et al. 1991 and Wogen 1998) Remove leaf litter and canopy shade through periodic burning. (Wogen 1998) Genetic studies using co-dominant markers, such as microsatellites, to show true allelic heterozygosity and parentage within populations (Erhart and Liston 2001). Determine mechanisms that limit genetic diversity within populations (Erhart and Liston 2001). Maintain and protect as many of the known sites as possible due to potential inbreeding depression when pollen flow is restricted to a single site (Kuykendall 1991). Determine the effect of habitat fragmentation and extent of inbreeding depression. Study the impact of pollination reduction (Kaye et al. 1991 and Wogen 1998) Further investigate the roll of pH in seed germination (Florance 1994).

Collect and store seeds from known populations. Determine optimum propagation and reintroduction methods.