Scientific Advisory - 2 Research Proposals

[gary white <in2iris@yahoo.com>]

The Scientific Advisory Committee has received two grant proposals requesting
funding by AIS. 
 
The first is a proposal from Jinyan Guo, a PhD student of Dr. Carol Wilsons
at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden and Claremont Graduate University in
Claremont, California.  Her proposal  involves the "Phylogenetic and
developmental study of Iris subgenus Limniris section Lophiris and related
species".  This study involves crested irises in east Asia and North America. 
Miss Guo has already completed some field work in China this spring and plans
more field work in both China and North American localities.   This is an
interesting and well planned study.   Her grant funding request is for $1320
for year one and $2280 for year two.  Comments included notes that this is a
very good study proposal and this iris series has always had some mysteries in
it, this study is welcomed.   There were no negative comments by the committee
in the discussion of this proposal. The Scientific Advisory Committee
recommends funding of this research
 proposal.
 
The second proposal from Alan Meerow  is a continuation of his work previously
funded by AIS. That study was concluded in Spring 2007.  This
proposal, "Heterogeneity, ecological specialization and introgression in a
large population of Iris savannarum"  is a continuation of that work and
focuses on south Florida irises, specifically Iris savannarum Small.   This
iris is one of the Louisiana irises and is usually lumped within Iris
hexagona.  Dr. Meerows study involves collecting samples and studying the
introgressive hybridization and ecological specialization of two distinct
phenotypes of this species at 11 sites in south Florida.   This also is a very
well designed study and the funding request is for $4840 for year one and
$4125 for year two.   The Scientific Advisory Committee also recommends
funding of this proposal if possible, recognizing AIS financial constraints. 
There was one comment that this study, while well designed, is
 esoteric and beyond the limits of AIS needs.  However, others noted that
this study also involves possibly endangered native American irises and the
comment that  Dr. Meerows study provides insight into a confusing corner of
the genus Iris and could offer potential insights into conservation needs.
 
I cannot include attachments to AISDiscuss, but I will be happy to forward
these study proposals to those who wish to review them in their entirety.  The
Jinyan Guo proposal is in a Word file and the Meerow proposal is a PDF file.
 
If only one study can be funded however, the Committee recommends that the AIS
approve funding for the Jinyan Guo Proposal, for its broader significance. 
Suggestions were also made that it is preferable to fully support one study,
rather than partial funding of both.  And, it was also suggested that if
supported by AIS, the investigators author an article suitable for publishing
in the AIS Bulletin.   Both Miss Guo and Dr. Meerow have agreed to author such
an article at the conclusion of their work if supported by AIS.
 
As of the end of May, there was $4597 in the Scientific and Scholarship Fund
(a restricted fund).    If both of these proposals are supported, the total
for the first year would be $6160.   The second year total for funding both
proposals would be $6405.
 
These proposals obviously require discussion by the Board for motions and
ultimate approval of any financial support for either or both of these
worthwhile studies.
 
I know that there currently is an active motion before the Board (Silver Medal
for BIS), so understand that a new motion concerning scientific research
cannot be made until that one goes to AISVote.  In the meantime, please review
the proposals as presented.
 
Thanks much,
Gary White
Chairman, AIS Scientific Advisory Committee

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