Variation in reproductive mode across the latitudinal range of invasive Russian knapweed.

ABSTRACT: For invading species, reproduction is a critical determinant of population establishment as well as spread into new areas. When species have multiple modes of reproduction, the prevalence of different modes can influence management decisions. We used genetic markers to determine the prevalent method of recruitment for invasive Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). This species forms patches and can spread by both rhizomic growth and seed from outcrossing. We found no shared genotypes between 41 western North American populations, indicating at the macroscale, Russian knapweed is spreading via seed to distant locations. We also examined drivers of reproductive mode by comparing clonality with large-scale environmental factors across the invasion. We found a correlation between latitu

SUBMITTER: Gaskin JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9346633 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature