Population Genetics Reveals the Invasion Pathways of <i>Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum</i> in North America.

ABSTRACT: Invasive populations of the slenderleaf iceplant, Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L., are problematic along the west coast of North America. The plant is hypothesised to originate from southern Africa, though it has established populations in North Africa and the Mediterranean. There is interest in initiating a biological control programme for the weed in its invaded range, but a clearer understanding of its invasion pathways and sources of origin is required in order to prioritise potential biological control agents. This study used both NextGen RADseq and fragment analysis ISSR techniques to uncover the population structure and genetic diversity of M. nodiflorum in its native, introduced and invaded ranges. The results supported a South African origin of the species based on a

SUBMITTER: van Steenderen CJM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12522069 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature