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Genetic analysis of invasive populations of Ventenata dubia (Poaceae): an assessment of propagule pressure and pattern of range expansion in the Western United States

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Abstract

Molecular markers prove to be an invaluable tool in assessing the introduction dynamics, pattern of range expansion, and population genetics of an invasive species. Ventenata dubia (Leers) Coss. (Aveneae; ventenata) is a diploid, primarily self-pollinating, annual grass native to Eurasia and Northern Africa. The grass has a detailed herbarium collection history in the western United States since its discovery in eastern Washington in 1952. Genetic analysis of 51 invasive populations (1636 individuals) of V. dubia, coupled with historical records, suggests moderate propagule pressure from multiple introductions, followed by local or regional range expansion. Allozyme analysis detected nine multilocus genotypes (MLGs) across eight western US states. A single MLG, referred to as the most common genotype, was detected in 37 of 51 (72.5%) invasive populations across all states. The other eight MLGs were generally found in fewer populations, with limited geographic distributions. Despite multiple introductions, invasive populations exhibit low levels of genetic admixture, low levels of genetic diversity within populations (A = 1.03, %P = 2.94, Hexp = 0.007) and high genetic differentiation among populations (GST= 0.864). The apparent reduced evolutionary potential of most V. dubia populations did not preclude the initial establishment and rapid spread of this species across its new range in the western US.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Joe Rausch, Jerry Galland, Elizabeth Kent, Pete Guerdan, Jane Mangold, Brian Mealor, and Steve Ripple for invaluable assistance and efforts in obtaining seed collections of invasive populations of ventenata from across the western US; Ester Hotova, Theodore “TJ” Halone, and Angela Fairbanks for their unwavering laboratory assistance; Nina Gillard, Gordon, Gordie and Teddy Smith, for their patience and support. We also thank Drs. Dorothy Maguire and Tim Prather for their advice and assistance, especially during the early stages of this project. Funding for this research was provided by funding through the USDA-ARS Area-wide Pest Management Program, and this research received additional funding support through a Specific Collaborative Agreement (SCA) with the USDA-ARS, European Biological Control Laboratory, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France (0212-22000-028-02S). We are grateful to Dr. Lincoln Smith for his support of this work.

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  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID, 83725-1515, USA

    Inna Pervukhina-Smith, James F. Smith & Stephen J. Novak

  2. European Biological Control Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Campus International de Baillarguet, CS 90013 Montferrier-sur-Lez, 34988, St. Gély du Fesc Cedex, France

    René F. H. Sforza

  3. Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency, ENEA – SSPT BIOAG-PROBIO, Rome, Italy

    Massimo Cristofaro

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  1. Inna Pervukhina-Smith
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Correspondence to Stephen J. Novak.

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Pervukhina-Smith, I., Sforza, R.F.H., Cristofaro, M. et al. Genetic analysis of invasive populations of Ventenata dubia (Poaceae): an assessment of propagule pressure and pattern of range expansion in the Western United States. Biol Invasions 22, 3575–3592 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-020-02341-2

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