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Plant introductions, hybridization and gene flow.
Richard J Abbott1, Juliet K James, Richard I Milne
1Division of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biology, Mitchell Building, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TH, UK. rja@st-and.ac.uk
Summary
Interspecific gene flow occurs between introduced and native plant species, even with sterile hybrids. A candidate gene approach identified an introgressed RAY gene allele in Senecio vulgaris, affecting fitness and adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Regional floras increasingly include introduced plant species.
- Hybridization between introduced and native species can lead to interspecific gene flow.
- Even highly sterile hybrids may facilitate gene flow through rare viable gametes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate interspecific gene flow in introduced plant species.
- To identify and characterize functional introgressed genes and their impact on fitness and adaptation.
- To explore the role of introgressed alleles in species range expansion.
Main Methods:
- Examining gene flow in introduced Rhododendron species and a native Senecio species.
- Utilizing a candidate gene approach to isolate and characterize the RAY gene allele in Senecio vulgaris.
- Assessing the fitness effects of the introgressed allele, including pleiotropy and linkage.
Main Results:
- Documented gene flow between introduced Rhododendron species and between an introduced and native Senecio species.
- Identified a RAY gene allele in Senecio vulgaris, likely introgressed from Senecio squalidus.
- The introgressed allele is associated with ray floret production and influences individual fitness.
Conclusions:
- Interspecific gene flow is a significant process in plant invasions.
- The introgressed RAY gene allele in Senecio vulgaris impacts fitness and adaptation.
- Understanding introgressed genes is crucial for predicting species' responses to novel environments.