Abstract Detail

Molecular Ecology and Evolution

Prior, Carly [1], Rausch, Joseph [2], Sforza, Rene [3], SMITH, JAMES F. [4], Novak, Steve [5].

Mating system analysis of native and invasive populations of medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae): evidence for pre-adaptation during biological invasion.

Biological invasions can occur through the introduction of pre-adapted genotypes, post-introduction evolution, or a combination of both.  With pre-adaptation, native and invasive populations would exhibit similar patterns of character expression; whereas, post-introduction evolution is associated with differential character expression among native and invasive populations.  Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) is an annual, cleistogamous grass species with a broad geographical distribution across Eurasia.  The grass is invasive in six states (California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington) in the Western United States (U.S.).  Previous genetic analyses point to the Mediterranean Region, and especially Eastern Europe, as being the geographic origins for this invasion.  Using enzyme electrophoresis, we determined the mating system of nine native and ten invasive populations of medusahead using two approaches: the Inbreeding Coefficient (F) method and progeny array analysis.  These nine native populations possess at least one of the genotypes that match those detected in invasive populations from the Western U.S.  Using the Inbreeding Coefficient method, native populations were found to be 99.8% self-pollinating (selfing) with a 0.2% outcrossing rate and invasive populations were found to be 99.4% selfing and 0.6% outcrossing.  Native and invasive populations were both determined to be 100.0% self-pollinating (and 0.0% outcrossing), based on progeny array analyses.  These data indicate an extremely high self-pollination rate for both native and invasive populations of medusahead.  High levels of self-pollination within native and invasive populations suggest that this selfing mating system may be a pre-adaptation contributing to establishment success and the invasion of medusahead in the Western U.S.

1 - Boise State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID, 83725, USA
2 - USDA Forest Service, Malheur National Forest, 431 Patterson Bridge Road, PO Box 909, John Day, OR, 97845, USA
3 - European Biological Control Laboratory USDA-ARS, 810 avenue Campus Agropolis, Montferrier sur Lez, 34980, France
4 - BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY, Biology Department, 1910 UNIVERSITY DRIVE, MS1515, Boise, ID, 83725-1515, USA
5 - BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY, Department Of Biology, 1910 UNIVERSITY DR, BOISE, ID, 83725-1515, USA

Keywords:
Biological Invasions
mating system
Medusahead
Pre-adaptation.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 11
Location: Firs North/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 2:30 PM
Number: 11005
Abstract ID:688
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award