Sunday, June 15, 2003

A dash of pepper tree

The Naples Daily News is reporting on a project to trace the genetic history of the Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius). Researchers at the University of Florida are using molecular tools to look at genetic variation in the species, and are also trying to identify the source of its introduction into Florida. To do this, the scientists are traveling to South America, the tree's true home, to gather leaf samples for genetic analysis, and also to collect insects and pathogens that they suspect could be used as biological controls.

No comments: