Occasional hybridization between a native and invasive Senecio species in Australia is unlikely to contribute to invasive success.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hybridization between native and invasive species can facilitate introgression of native genes that increase invasive potential by providing exotic species with pre-adapted genes suitable for new environments. In this study we assessed the outcome of hybridization between native Senecio pinnatifolius var. pinnatifolius A.Rich. (dune ecotype) and invasive Senecio madagascariensis Poir. to investigate the potential for introgression of adaptive genes to have facilitated S. madagascariensis spread in Australia.

Methods

We used amplified fragment length polymorphisms (141 loci) and nuclear microsatellites (2 loci) to genotype a total of 118 adults and 223 seeds from S. pinnatifolius var.pinnatifolius and S. madagascariensis

SUBMITTER: Dormontt EE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5562138 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature