Low genetic diversity despite multiple introductions of the invasive plant species Impatiens glandulifera in Europe.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Invasive species can be a major threat to native biodiversity and the number of invasive plant species is increasing across the globe. Population genetic studies of invasive species can provide key insights into their invasion history and ensuing evolution, but also for their control. Here we genetically characterise populations of Impatiens glandulifera, an invasive plant in Europe that can have a major impact on native plant communities. We compared populations from the species' native range in Kashmir, India, to those in its invaded range, along a latitudinal gradient in Europe. For comparison, the results from 39 other studies of genetic diversity in invasive species were collated.

Results

Our results suggest that I. glandulifera was established in the wild in

SUBMITTER: Hagenblad J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4546075 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature