RT Journal Article
T1 Human activity strongly influences genetic dynamics of themost widespread invasive plant in the sub-Antarctic
A1 Mairal Pisa, Mario
A1 Chown, Steven L.
A1 Shaw, Justine
A1 Chala, Desalegn
A1 Chau, John H.
A1 Hui, Cang
A1 Kalwij, Jesse M.
A1 Münzbergová, Zuzana
A1 Vuuren, Bettine Jansen van
A1 Le Roux, Johannes J.
AB The link between the successful establishment of alien species and propagule pressure is well-documented. Less known is how humans influence the post-introduction dynamics of invasive alien populations. The latter requires studying parallel invasions by the same species in habitats that are differently impacted by humans. We analysed microsatellite and genome size variation, and then compared the genetic diversity and structure of invasive Poa annua L. on two sub-Antarctic islands: human-occupied Marion Island and unoccupied Prince Edward Island. We also carried out niche modelling to map the potential distribution of the species on both islands. We found high levels of genetic diversity and evidence for extensive admixture between genetically distinct lineages of P. annua on Marion Island. By contrast, the Prince Edward Island populations showed low genetic diversity, no apparent admixture, and had smaller genomes. On both islands, high genetic diversity was apparent at human landing sites, and on Marion Island, also around human settlements, suggesting that these areas received multiple introductions and/or acted as initial introduction sites and secondary sources (bridgeheads) for invasive populations. More than 70 years of continuous human activity associated with a meteorological station on Marion Island led to a distribution of this species around human settlements and along footpaths, which facilitates ongoing gene flow among geographically separated populations. By contrast, this was not the case for Prince Edward Island, where P. annua populations showed high genetic structure. The high levels of genetic variation and admixture in P. annua facilitated by human activity, coupled with high habitat suitability on both islands, suggest that P. annua is likely to increase its distribution and abundance in the future.
PB Wiley
SN 0962-1083; Electronic: 1365-294X
YR 2021
FD 2021-06-28
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/8657
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/8657
LA eng
NO EPFL, Swiss Polar Institute and Ferring Pharmaceuticals
NO South African National Research Foundation (NRF)
NO South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP)
DS Docta Complutense
RD 8 may 2024