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The Floristic Diversity Research Group (FDRG) conducts Biodiversity Research at the OAC Herbarium. We explore variation in plant diversity from genes to species bridging taxonomy, systematics, ecology and evolution in order to describe biodiversity patterns in the natural world, and to test hypotheses about possible processes and mechanisms responsible for those patterns. This might apply to plants on a landscape or the characteristics used to classify plants including DNA sequence or even Traditional Aboriginal knowledge.

Cryptogamic Botany (Bryology)
We are one of only a few cryptogamic botany (i.e., moss, lichens, ferns, fungi) labs in Canada. Much of our research focuses on bryology in relation to molecular and taxonomic diversity in the context of conservation biology. We are investigating molecular variation within and among populations and species in relation to each species' biology and ecology. This research builds on our previous research concerning patterns of habitat specificity in relation to the conservation of locally endemic species. Several new projects include barcoding lichens, ferns and fungi (mycorrhiza) using quantitative PCR techniques.

Floristics
We are the authors and custodians of the Flora Ontario Integrated Botanical Information System (FOIBIS). In addition, we are studying floristic patterns in bryophytes, lichens nutmegs, cucurbits and invasive species in relation to variation in intraspecific molecular markers. Our long-term ecological research projects record patterns of native species diversity and impacts of anthropogenic disturbance within our quantitative biodiversity database (QBD). This database is crucial for developing hypothesis on mechanisms that control patterns of diversity.

Taxonomy
Our team is presently working on the systematics and taxonomy of Myristicaceae (nutmegs), Gurania (cucurbits), Fabaceae, Pteridophyta (ferns), Bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) and Lichens (crusts). We are writing 20 generic and 4 family treatments in the Flora of North America. and have published several books (Wetland Plants of Ontario, Ontario Plant List), and serve as chief editors on many others (Wildflowers of Ontario, Plants of Central Ontario, Plants of North Eastern Ontario).

As a member of the Canadian Bar Code of Life Network, we are one of the few labs worldwide developing a molecular identification system for plants PDF. Using a group of species with a broad taxonomic coverage we have begun evaluating a number of target sequences for their utility in DNA barcoding at our molecular identification lab adjacent to our collections room. Currently we are barcoding the Flora of Ontario, and selected neotropical taxa.

In 2007, we will be developing a high throughput identification system for plants, which can utilize small fragments of leaves, roots, stems, pollen, seeds or flowers. This newly constructed Biodiversity Institute of Ontario facility was constructed with the assistance of a $9.8 million dollar grant form CFI. It is our standard protocol to voucher all specimens used in creating plant barcodes, including the mounting of herbarium specimens and cryopreservation of DNA. Intraspecific variation is assessed across multiple populations within the range of each species concept. Projects from this unique facility will be available via CBOLD and FOIBIS.

Our research focuses taxonomy of bryophytes, but includes the classification and nomenclature of the Flora Ontario (FOIBIS), including the classification of a new species of fern found along the Coast of Lake Superior.
As a member of the Canadian Bar Code of Life Network, we are one of the few labs worldwide developing a molecular identification system for plants. Using a group of species with a broad taxonomic coverage we have begun evaluating a number of target sequences for their utility in DNA barcoding at our molecular identification lab adjacent to our collections room.

Ethnobotany
Our research program investigates the nomenclature and classification of plants by Aboriginal cultures from around the world. We investigate the classification processes of different cultures and try to understand common patterns and mechanisms for biological classification including links to our molecular identification research program.

We are also investigating the diversity of herbal products and foods within native ecosystems using aboriginal knowledge as a catalyst for research. This includes the development of a protocol for the molecular identification of herbal products at various stages of industrial production.

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We offer professional plant identification and floristic survey services to the public, government agencies, industry, NGO and research community. Our new Molecular lab can process DNA sequences (Molecular Taxonomy) for a wide variety of genes (chloroplast, mitochondria, nuclear). All funds are used to support the BIO OAC Herbarium and its research program. Please contact Dr. Steven Newmaster for details the time required to identify different groups of plants.

Identification Service
Our trained taxonomist can identify any plant specimens in the Ontario flora with specialty in bryophytes from anywhere in North America. We provide a forensic service for the Police and hospitals including the identification of plant parts using morphology, microscopic cellular characteristics and molecular DNA techniques.

• $ 20/hr. Morphological Identifications (note I.D. time/specimen depends on the taxonomic group)
• $ 50/hr. Molecular taxonomic identifications.

Molecular Sequencing Service
Our new molecular taxonomy lab can process plant DNA sequences for a wide variety of genes. We are currently developing a molecular identification system for plants and hope to offer a comprehensive service for the identification of plants specializing in cryptogamic species, and identifications from either roots or seeds. Further applications include species identification within herbal products for the health industry.

Floristic Surveys
The Floristic Diversity Research Group (FDRG) can provide a professional botanical survey for any area, from woodlots to entire provinces (see our Flora Ontario). We have developed new sampling techniques (Floristic Habitat Sampling, Newmaster et al. 2005), which provide a quick assessment of floristic diversity, including microhabitat information. Please contact Dr. Steven Newmaster regarding the details for your floristic survey and an estimate for the cost of the floristic survey.

Training in Plant Identification & Sampling Techniques
We offer a variety of private seminars for groups interested in plant identification including cryptogams (mosses & lichens) and weeds or field sampling techniques and ethnobotany. Please contact Dr. Steven Newmaster regarding your needs.

Workshops 2009

You can get involved by supporting

• Botanical apprenticeships
• Projects such as the Flora Ontario, or the detection of invasive species
• Research in ethnobotany or biodiversity
• Community projects.

We are able to accomplish our vision by the shared support of others who believe conserving biodiversity. All donations are tax deductible, receipts will be issued from the Alumni Association, University of Guelph. Acknowledgements of support may be posted on the BIO OAC Herbarium web site or remain anonymous. Please contact Dr. Steven Newmaster for details if you wish to join our research team and support one of our innitiatives below.

Dr. Steven G Newmaster - Herbarium Director, Curator of cryptogamic collection and Director of the Herbarium's Floristic Diversity Research Group (FDRG).

Carole Ann Lacroix MSc - Curator of Phanerogam collection, Herbarium Administration and Ontario Invasive Plants Information System (OIPIS).

Dr. Ragupathy Subramanyam - Curator of the Aboriginal Repository of Knowledge (ARK), all Herbarium databases and Ethnobotany Research Program.

Dr. Aron Fazekas - Curator of Genomic collections and Molecular Taxonomy Research Program (Canadian Barcode of Life database - CBOLD).

Royce Steeves - PhD Candidate in Neotropical tree ecology and taxonomy

Jillian Bainard - PhD Candidate in Bryophyte Genome Size Diversity

Richard Troy McMullin - PhD Candidate, Lichen Taxonomy and Ecology

Jose Maloles

Kevin