9411826 KOWAL This award will pay for travel to conduct field work and museum visits in Switzerland, West Germany and Spain and laboratory supplies for molecular (chromosome preparation, DNA sequencing) studies to enhance the dissertation work of a PhD graduate student, Harvey E. Ballard. The research project of this student involves a phylogenetic analysis of species group relationships in the large plant genus Viola. This genus includes the "true violets" and may contain as many as 600 to 700 species. The research proposed will utilize karyological or chromosomal data (largely taken from the literature), morphological data and molecular (chloroplast DNA) data to address relationships of lineages within this large genus. %%% Support for the training of graduate students in modern systematic methodologies is important for maintaining a workforce of scientists capable of meeting the questions and issues of biodiversity which are of increasing global concern. ***
