Ecological Genetics of Plant Invasion: What Do We Know?

Ward, Sarah; Gaskin, John F.; Wilson, Linda M.

doi:10.1614/ipsm-07-022.1

Cited by 131 publications

(109 citation statements)

References 103 publications

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“…High levels of genetic diversity in invasive species may be the result of multiple introductions [1,17]. However it is not possible to exclude multiple introductions even in cases with low genetic diversity, as the introduced genotypes might be highly similar to begin with.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic diversity in three invasive clonal aquatic species in New Zealand

et al. 2010

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BackgroundElodea canadensis, Egeria densa and Lagarosiphon major are dioecious clonal species which are invasive in New Zealand and other regions. Unlike many other invasive species, the genetic variation in New Zealand is very limited. Clonal reproduction is often considered an evolutionary dead end, even though a certain amount of genetic divergence may arise due to somatic mutations. The successful growth and establishment of invasive clonal species may be explained not by adaptability but by pre-existing ecological traits that prove advantageous in the new environment. We studied the genetic diversity and population structure in the North Island of New Zealand using AFLPs and related the findings to the number of introductions and the evolution that has occurred in the introduced area.ResultsLow levels of genetic diversity were found in all three species and appeared to be due to highly homogeneous founding gene pools. Elodea canadensis was introduced in 1868, and its populations showed more genetic structure than those of the more recently introduced of E. densa (1946) and L. major (1950). Elodea canadensis and L. major, however, had similar phylogeographic patterns, in spite of the difference in time since introduction.ConclusionsThe presence of a certain level of geographically correlated genetic structure in the absence of sexual reproduction, and in spite of random human dispersal of vegetative propagules, can be reasonably attributed to post-dispersal somatic mutations. Direct evidence of such evolutionary events is, however, still insufficient.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic diversity in three invasive clonal aquatic species in New Zealand

et al. 2010

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“…Out of 40 characteristics in invasive plants, reproduction aspects, tolerance to the environment and year of arrival to a place were the most relevant in 388 invasive species evaluated (36) . On the other hand, in addition to the characteristics that may influence the success of an invasive plant, a new species in an ecosystem does not have predators or competitors like in its place of origin (37) .…”

Section: Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biología del pasto rosado Melinis repens (Willd.) e implicaciones para su aprovechamiento o control

Melgoza‐Castillo¹,

Valladares²,

González³

et al. 2015

RMCP

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RESUMEN El pasto rosado (Melinis repens) es una especie introducida de África que invade diversos ecosistemas. EnMéxico se encuentra en todos los Estados, y en Chihuahua es la especie dominante en extensas áreas de pastizales. Las invasiones reducen la calidad y cantidad de los productos y servicios del ecosistema. No se sabe exactamente cuándo llegó al continente americano. Dependiendo de las condiciones climáticas puede comportarse como anual o perenne de vida corta. Produce abundante semilla durante años con precipitaciones por debajo de lo normal comparados con años lluviosos. La germinación de la semilla puede ser en presencia de luz o sin ella, la máxima germinación es entre 20 a 35 ºC; a -0.2 MPa se inhibe la germinación y el fuego no la afecta. ABSTRACTNatal grass (Melinis repens) is an introduced specie from Africa that is invading different ecosystems. In Mexico, it is present all over the country and dominates large areas of grasslands. Plant invasion reduces quality and quantity of ecosystem goods and services. The knowledge of the biology of invasive species is a key factor when a management and control plan will be established. It is unknown when this specie arrived to America. Depending on climatic conditions this grass may behave as annual or perennial. Seed production is larger in years with precipitation below normal than in wet years. Germination takes place with or without light, optimum temperature is from 20 to 35 ºC; at -0.2 MPa germination is inhibited, and fire does not affect seed germination. When moisture is not limited and during the early development, root:shoot ratios ranges from 1.13 to 1.90 and relative growth rate from 0.0034 to 0.15 mg g-1 d-1 ; also, biomass is reduced when natal grass grows on native soil compared to sterilized soil. Although it is considered as poor forage, the main use is as pasture. Other uses reported include ornamental, medicinal, and fito-remediation. Fire favors its growth, and no control method is known. So far, grazing of natal grass is the most viable management. Additionally, when planning a control campaign it is important to reduce the movement of this specie as part of human activities.

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“…This may be due, in part, to the loss of environmental checks needed to keep these plants in balance within their natural habitat. Genetic makeup also determines the ability of a plant to become weedy in nature; however, a genetic pattern has yet to be described [14]. In India, out of the total 826 reported weed species, 80 species are considered as very serious and 198 as serious weeds.…”

Section: What Do Weeds Cause?mentioning

confidence: 99%