Genomic structure, diversity and sexual reproductive investment of Brachypodium rupestre under different fire and grazing management regimes
We investigated the genetic and reproductive responses of B. rupestre, to varying management practices (grazing, abandonment, burns) in Pyrenean grasslands. ddRADseq data revealed high genomic diversity with low structure, indicating extensive gene flow. Stand populations, resulting from relaxed grazing and abandonment, exhibited peak heterozygosity and variable sexual reproductive organ proportions. In invading populations, winter prescribed burns facilitated the plant's sexual cycle, potentially enhancing seedling recruitment. These findings highlight the importance of reproductive system diversity and fire-herbivory interactions in B. rupestre expansion.