Population genetic analysis of Bromus tectorum (Poaceae) indicates recent range expansion may be facilitated by specialist genotypes

Keith R. Merrill; Susan E. Meyer; Craig E. Coleman

doi:10.3732/ajb.1100085

Treesearch

Population genetic analysis of Bromus tectorum (Poaceae) indicates recent range expansion may be facilitated by specialist genotypes

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Keith R. Merrill, Susan E. Meyer, Craig E. Coleman

Year:

2012

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3732/ajb.1100085

Source:

American Journal of Botany. 99(3): 529-537.

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Abstract

The mechanisms for range expansion in invasive species depend on how genetic variation is structured in the introduced range. This study examined neutral genetic variation in the invasive annual grass Bromus tectorum in the Intermountain Western United States. Patterns of microsatellite (SSR) genotype distribution in this highly inbreeding species were used to make inferences about the roles of adaptively signifi cant genetic variation, broadly adapted generalist genotypes, and facultative outcrossing in the recent range expansion of B. tectorum in this region.

Keywords

Bromus tectorum, cheatgrass, downy brome, ecological genetics, inbreeding, invasive species, local adaptation, microsatellite, Poaceae

Citation

Merrill, Keith R.; Meyer, Susan E.; Coleman, Craig E. 2012. Population genetic analysis of Bromus tectorum (Poaceae) indicates recent range expansion may be facilitated by specialist genotypes. American Journal of Botany. 99(3): 529-537.