Uncovering the phylogeography of Schinus terebinthifolia in South Africa to guide biological control.

ABSTRACT: Schinus terebinthifolia is a problematic invasive alien plant (IAP) in South Africa that is a high priority target for biological control. Biological control has been implemented in the states of Florida and Hawaii (USA), where S. terebinthifolia is also an IAP. Phylogeographic work determined that there have been multiple introductions of two lineages (haplotype A and B) into the USA. Haplotype A was introduced to western Florida and Hawaii, while haplotype B was introduced to eastern Florida. Haplotypes A and B have subsequently hybridized in Florida, resulting in novel plant genotypes. Biological control agents in the USA are known to vary in efficacies on the two different haplotypes and hybrids. This study used molecular techniques to uncover the source populations of

SUBMITTER: Canavan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8783615 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature