DNA polymorphism, allozyme diversity and biomass of Cyperus papyrus L. in Kenya’s wetlands

 

By

 

Taita Terer

 

 

Promoter:  Prof. Dr. Ludwig Triest, Laboratory of General Botany and Nature Management, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium.

 

Summary

Papyrus cyperus L. is the largest sedge in the world and one of the several aquatic macrophytes that are indigenous to African continent and Israel. In Kenya, it is dominant feature of the Lake Victoria vegetation mosaic, Rift Valley regions and valleys and streams draining into the Tana River in Central Province. Despite the importance of aquatic plants, especially the macrophytes, little research work has been done on their genetic diversity but focus has been mainly on terrestrial species. It is difficult, therefore, to make broad comparisons between terrestrial and aquatic plants, although the major determinants of genetic structure in both habitats appear to be breeding system and life history of the species.

 

Though substantial information is currently available on papyrus plant in Kenya, especially on productivity, carbon budget, stable isotopes and standing biomass it is mainly derived from Lake Naivasha and Lake Victoria basin. Little research work seems to have been undertaken on papyrus population from other areas in Kenya. In addition, little information is available on genetic diversity of papyrus plant. More comprehensive studies on fragmented and continuous papyrus swamps is therefore needed in order to make concrete conclusion on the status of genetic structure and diversity of papyrus plants in Kenya. This study therefore aimed to determine the genetic structure of papyrus plants from three different biogeographical regions of Kenya (Lake Victoria basin, Rift Valley and Central Kenya) using both allozyme and DNA markers. Aboveground biomass production of papyrus will also be determined. Information generated will be used in the conservation of papyrus plants which are currently being threatened by reclamation for agriculture and other anthropogenic activities.