Rapid genetic adaptation precedes the spread of an exotic plant species.
Human activities have increasingly introduced plant species far outside their native ranges under environmental conditions that can strongly differ from those originally met. Therefore, before spreading, and potentially causing ecological and economical damage, non-native species may rapidly evolve. Evidence of genetically based adaptation during the process of becoming invasive is very scant, however, which is due to the lack of knowledge regarding the historical genetic makeup of the introduced populations and the lack of genomic resources. Capitalizing on the availability of old non-native herbarium specimens, we examined frequency shifts in genic SNPs of the Pyrenean Rocket (Sisymbrium austriacum subsp. chrysanthum), comparing the (i) native, (ii) currently spreading non-native and (iii) historically introduced gene pool. Results show strong divergence in flowering time genes during the establishment phase, indicating that rapid genetic adaptation preceded the spread of this species and possibly assisted in overcoming environmental constraints.
Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium.
Katrien
K
Vandepitte
Tim
T
de Meyer
Kenny
K
Helsen
Kasper
K
van Acker
Isabel
I
Roldán-Ruiz
Joachim
J
Mergeay
Olivier
O
Honnay
D000220:Adaptation, Biological / Q000235:genetics*; D019607:Brassicaceae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D035264:Flowers / Q000502:physiology; D005788:Gene Pool; D058865:Introduced Species; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
SNP; Sisymbrium austriacum; adaptation evolution; biological invasion; environmental selection; exotic plant; flowering time genes; herbarium specimens; population genomics; resurrection