Of Mojave milkweed and mirrors: The population genomic structure of a species impacted by solar energy development

A rapid renewable energy transition has facilitated the development of large, ground-mounted solar facilities worldwide. Deserts, and other sensitive aridland ecosystems, are second most common land-cover type for globally. Thus, it is necessary to understand existing diversity within environmentally desert plant populations spatiotemporal effects siting design. Overall, few population genomic studies plants exist, much their biology unknown. To help fill this knowledge gap, we sampled Mojave milkweed (Asclepias nyctaginifolia) in around Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating Station (ISEGS) Desert California species' structure, standing genetic variation, how that intersects with development. We performed Restriction-site Associated Sequencing (RADseq) discovered 9942 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Using these data, found clear structure over small spatial scales, suggesting each site comprised a genetically distinct milkweed. While mowing, lieu blading, vegetation across facility's footprint prevented immediate loss ISEGS population, show change, especially those impacting washes, may impact long-term persistence. Potential implications include risk overall diversity, or even hastened extirpation. These findings highlight need consider impacted species when predicting conservation measures large-scale changes on sizes.