Population genetics of an invasive riparian species, Impatiens glandulifera

We assess the population genetic structure of the invasive riparian weed Impatiens glandulifera, and where possible, determine whether natural or anthropogenic dispersal best explains the observed patterns. Results are compared with a similar contemporary analysis for Heracleum mantegazzianum undert...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plant ecology 2009-08, Vol.203 (2), p.243-252
Main Authors: Walker, N. F, Hulme, P. E, Hoelzel, A. R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anthropogenic factors
Applied Ecology
Biodiversity
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Catchment scale
Community & Population Ecology
Dispersal
Ecology
Genetic diversity
Genetic drift
Genetic loci
Genetic structure
Genetic variation
Genetics
Heracleum mantegazzianum
Impatiens glandulifera
Invasive plants
Invasive species
Life history
Life Sciences
Local population
Microsatellites
Nonnative species
Plant Ecology
Plants
Population genetics
Population structure
Riparian ecology
River catchments
Rivers
Seed dispersal
Terrestial Ecology
Watersheds
Weeds
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Summary:We assess the population genetic structure of the invasive riparian weed Impatiens glandulifera, and where possible, determine whether natural or anthropogenic dispersal best explains the observed patterns. Results are compared with a similar contemporary analysis for Heracleum mantegazzianum undertaken in the same catchments, and we suggest that some of the observed differences in genetic structure could be because of life history differences between these species. Our results confirm the importance of at least occasional dispersal events mediated by human activity in the colonisation and subsequent spread of invasive plants in river catchments. However, processes related to river structure, dispersal range and genetic drift also appear to be structuring these populations over short temporal scales. The implication is that local populations can be established as small founders, and therefore eradication programs need to be thorough and undertaken at the catchment scale. Effective management needs to consider the natural spread of riparian species along rivers, but also prevent long-distance dispersal from sources outside the catchment.
ISSN:1385-0237
1573-5052
DOI:10.1007/s11258-008-9540-9