PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Intraspecific hybridization between native and introduced lineages of a species can increase invasiveness and may lead to the decline of native lineages. The introduction of Eurasian Phragmites australis has caused profound changes to wetland habitats across North America, yet evidence for hybridization between native and introduced Phragmites australis in North America is lacking and has puzzled researchers for over a decade. Here we present the first confirmed field hybridization event between the two lineages. METHODS: Hybrid plants were initially recognized during field surveys by their intermediate morphology and distinct herbivore community. We verified hybrid status using chloroplast DNA haplotypes and microsatellite markers. KEY RESULTS: Confirmed hybrid stems were restricted to one site and displayed morphological characteristics of both native and introduced P. australis. Based on their microsatellite profiles, all samples likely represent a single clone of a first generation hybrid. Sequencing of cpDNA indicates that the maternal parent is from the introduced lineage. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of hybrid P. australis in the field is complex and requires multiple characters. All suspected hybrids should be verified using genetic techniques. Preventing the spread of introduced genes and genotypes through North America will require recognition and rapid management response to hybrid plants.
PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Intraspecific hybridization between native and introduced lineages of a species can increase invasiveness and may lead to the decline of native lineages. The introduction of Eurasian Phragmites australis has caused profound changes to wetland habitats across North America, yet evidence for hybridization between native and introduced Phragmites australis in North America is lacking and has puzzled researchers for over a decade. Here we present the first confirmed field hybridization event between the two lineages. METHODS: Hybrid plants were initially recognized during field surveys by their intermediate morphology and distinct herbivore community. We verified hybrid status using chloroplast DNA haplotypes and microsatellite markers. KEY RESULTS: Confirmed hybrid stems were restricted to one site and displayed morphological characteristics of both native and introduced P. australis. Based on their microsatellite profiles, all samples likely represent a single clone of a first generation hybrid. Sequencing of cpDNA indicates that the maternal parent is from the introduced lineage. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of hybrid P. australis in the field is complex and requires multiple characters. All suspected hybrids should be verified using genetic techniques. Preventing the spread of introduced genes and genotypes through North America will require recognition and rapid management response to hybrid plants.
Authors: Igor Cesarino; Raffaele Dello Ioio; Gwendolyn K Kirschner; Michael S Ogden; Kelsey L Picard; Madlen I Rast-Somssich; Marc Somssich Journal: Ann Bot Date: 2020-06-19 Impact factor: 4.357
Authors: Jeannie Mounger; Malika L Ainouche; Oliver Bossdorf; Armand Cavé-Radet; Bo Li; Madalin Parepa; Armel Salmon; Ji Yang; Christina L Richards Journal: Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci Date: 2021-04-19 Impact factor: 6.671
Authors: Franziska Eller; Hana Skálová; Joshua S Caplan; Ganesh P Bhattarai; Melissa K Burger; James T Cronin; Wen-Yong Guo; Xiao Guo; Eric L G Hazelton; Karin M Kettenring; Carla Lambertini; Melissa K McCormick; Laura A Meyerson; Thomas J Mozdzer; Petr Pyšek; Brian K Sorrell; Dennis F Whigham; Hans Brix Journal: Front Plant Sci Date: 2017-11-16 Impact factor: 5.753