Dr Roberta Gargiulo
Research Fellow
Department
Team
Specialism
Conservation genetics, Molecular Ecology, Evolutionary Biology
Biography
My interests lie at the interface between conservation genetics and molecular ecology. In particular, my research currently combines genetic and genomic methods to clarify the influence of life-history traits on genetic diversity and to provide recommendations for conservation, using the orchid Cypripedium calceolus as a model system.
In my past research, I have been using microsatellite markers to describe neutral genetic diversity in different plant species, and I am now using RAD sequencing methods to describe both neutral and adaptive variation.
Qualifications and appointments
- BSc, University of Naples 'Federico II', 2008
- MSc, University of Naples 'Federico II', 2010
- PhD, Advanced Biology, University of Naples 'Federico II', 2014
Selected publications
Gargiulo, R., Kull, T., & Fay, M. F. (2020).
Effective double‐digest RAD sequencing and genotyping despite large genome size.
Molecular Ecology Resources. IN PRESS.
Gargiulo, R., Saubin, M., Rizzuto, G., West, B., Fay, M.F., Kallow, S. & Trivedi, C. (2019).
Genetic diversity in British populations of Taxus baccata L.: is the seed bank collection representative of the genetic variation in the wild?
Biological Conservation 233: 289-297.
Gargiulo, R., Worswick, G., Arnold, C., Pike, L. J., Cowan, R. S., Hardwick, K. A., ... & Fay, M. F. (2019).
Conservation of the threatened species, Pulsatilla vulgaris Mill. (Pasqueflower), is aided by reproductive system and polyploidy.
Journal of Heredity 110: 618-628.
Gargiulo, R., Pironon S., Zheleznaya E., Sanchez M.D., Bálázs Z.R., Podar D., Wilkinson T., Jäkäläniemi A., Kull T. & Fay M.F. (2019).
Phylogeography and post-glacial dynamics in the clonal-sexual orchid Cypripedium calceolus L.
Journal of Biogeography 46: 526-538.
Gargiulo R., De Castro O., Del Guacchio E. & Caputo P. (2019).
Genetic diversity and origin of the rare, narrow endemic Asperula crassifolia (Rubiaceae).
Plant Systematics and Evolution 305: 181-192.
Gargiulo, R., Ilves, A., Kaart, T. & Fay, M.F. (2018)
High genetic diversity in a threatened clonal species, Cypripedium calceolus (Orchidaceae), enables long-term stability of the species in different biogeographical regions in Estonia.
Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 186: 560-571.
Projects
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Banking the UK’s seeds
Maintaining and enhancing the UK repository for seeds and associated knowledge, to increase the quality, quantity and diversity of native plant material available for research, conservation and habitat restoration in the UK.
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Genetic studies of Cypripedium calceolus (the lady’s slipper orchid)
Investigating population genetics in the lady’s slipper orchid to inform the reintroduction programme for this threatened species.
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UK National Tree Seed Project
Ensuring that high quality, genetically diverse seed and associated data from UK trees and shrubs are available to support conservation and research.