Abstract Detail

Population Genetics/Genomics

Sutherland, Brittany [1].

Population genomics of the polyploid invasive aquatic fern Salvinia molesta in the Southeastern U.S.

Population bottlenecks and novel selection pressures often contribute to markedly different allele frequencies in invasive populations relative to their native progenitors. In allopolyploids, assessing population structure and adaptation in invaded regions can be especially difficult. The aquatic heterosporous fern Salvinia molesta, is an asexual allopentaploid that is considered invasive in at least 55 countries worldwide. Native to Brazil, it has become widespread in slow-moving waterways throughout the southeastern U.S. since its introduction in the 1990s. To better understand the invasion history and adaptive evolution of S. molesta since its U.S. introduction, we have developed a species-specific set of hybridization capture by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (hyRAD) probes for reduced-representation sequencing. To date, we have sequenced both contemporary and historical (via herbarium sampling) S. molesta individuals sampled throughout the U.S. southeast from Texas to Virginia. These probe sets will facilitate population genomics studies of the species, ultimately yielding insights into the evolutionary forces driving their patterns of invasion, and the effects of allopolyploid subgenome interactions on adaptation in novel environments.

1 - University Of Louisiana At Lafayette, Biology, 410 E. St. Mary Blvd., Billeaud Hall, Room 108, Lafayette, LA, 70503, United States

Keywords:
polyploidy
Plant invasion
adaptation
Salvinia
allopolyploidy.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number:
Abstract ID:923
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award