title: Confirmed field hybridization of native and introduced Phragmites australis (Poaceae) in North America.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Intraspecific hybridization between native and introduced lineages of a species can increase invasiveness and may lead to the decline of native lineages. The introduction of Eurasian Phragmites australis has caused profound changes to wetland habitats across North America, yet evidence for hybridization between native and introduced Phragmites australis in North America is lacking and has puzzled researchers for over a decade. Here we present the first confirmed field hybridization event between the two lineages.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hybrid plants were initially recognized during field surveys by their intermediate morphology and distinct herbivore community. We verified hybrid status using chloroplast DNA haplotypes and microsatellite markers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Confirmed hybrid stems were restricted to one site and displayed morphological characteristics of both native and introduced P. australis. Based on their microsatellite profiles, all samples likely represent a single clone of a first generation hybrid. Sequencing of cpDNA indicates that the maternal parent is from the introduced lineage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Identification of hybrid P. australis in the field is complex and requires multiple characters. All suspected hybrids should be verified using genetic techniques. Preventing the spread of introduced genes and genotypes through North America will require recognition and rapid management response to hybrid plants.
authors.affiliation: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panamá
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Saltonstall
authors.forename: Hilda E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Castillo
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Blossey
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D056426:Genetic Loci / Q000235:genetics; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D058865:Introduced Species; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics; D009656:North America; D006109:Poaceae / Q000235:genetics*; D025341:Principal Component Analysis
keywords: Lasioptera hungarica; Phragmites australis; Poaceae; cpDNA; hybrid; microsatellite; morphology