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Abstract Detail


Molecular Ecology and Evolution

Grimsby, Jonna [1], Tsirelson, Dina [1], Kesseli, Rick [1].

Genetic Analysis of the Reproduction of Invasive Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia spp.).

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a highly aggressive invasive perennial for which the reproductive biology is not entirely understood. In native areas, populations are generally established by seeds and expanded by rhizome extension. Due to the observance of a single female clone in Britain, it is often assumed that, with the exception of hybridization, asexual reproduction is the only mode of reproduction for this species in introduced ranges. However, recent genetic and morphological evidence of inter and intra-specific sexual reproduction in introduced ranges shows that sexual reproduction and seed dispersal are more important than once thought. Previously, we genetically characterized three populations in Massachusetts and found that they were comprised of multiple genets, exhibited evidence of both asexual and sexual reproduction, and, in most cases, females were F. japonica while males were hybrid, F. x bohemica and contain the F. sachalinensis genome. As a subdioecious species, females produce abundant seed while males produce seed in much lower numbers. To characterize the breeding system and determine the origin of seeds on males, offspring of males and females are being genotyped at 6 nuclear loci. Analyses of the breeding system will provide estimates of apomixis, outcrossing, and self-fertilization rates. Preliminary results from male seeds show that offspring segregate at all loci, indicating that seeds from males are likely sexual and, based on observed genotypic ratios, the species has a mixed mating system. Further analysis is required to clarify the paternity of seed on male and female individuals. This information will contribute to an improved understanding of the breeding system and reproduction of invasive Japanese knotweed, potentially leading to more effective management strategies.


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1 - University of Massachusetts at Boston, Biology, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA, 02125, USA

Keywords:
Japanese Knotweed
Fallopia japonica
breeding system
Invasive Species.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P74004
Abstract ID:1713


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