Population structure in chicory (Cichorium intybus): A successful U.S. weed since the American revolutionary war.

ABSTRACT: Plant invasions are recognized as major drivers of ecosystem change, yet the precise cause of these invasions remains unknown for many species. Frequency and modes of introductions during the first, transport and colonization, stages of the invasion process as well as phenotypic changes due to plasticity or changing genetic diversity and adaptation during later establishment and expansion stages can all influence the "success" of invasion. Here, we examine some of these factors in, and the origin of, a very successful weed, Cichorium intybus (chicory) which was introduced to North America in the 18th century and which now can be found in all 48 continental U.S. states and much of Canada. We genotyped a Eurasian collection of 11 chicory cultivars, nine native populations and a North

SUBMITTER: Zavada T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5478081 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature