RUI: Evolutionary and ecological importance of hybridization and cryptic diversity in a rapidly expanding aquatic plant

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Ecological properties that facilitate the invasion of weedy species into native populations have been studied intensively. In contrast the potentially critical role for evolutionary processes in many biological invasions has rarely been considered. This project will explore the extent to which hybridization (crosses between species) influences invasion of the aquatic plant Myriophyllum heterophyllum (Water Milfoil), and the effects of invasion history on the evolutionary trajectories of genetically distinct lineages. Specifically, this research will utilize numerous molecular markers to compare patterns of gene flow in the native and invaded range, and will utilize a field reciprocal transplant experiment to determine whether hybrid lineages grow more invasively than non-hybrid lineages.Biological invasions are widely recognized as a major social, economic, and environmental threat. Water Milfoil is a significant invasive in the northeastern United States and severely impacts recreation and property values. The proposed research activities will highlight the evolutionary and genetic contributions to invasiveness and will directly influence aquatic plant management decisions and policy. Resulting data also will be incorporated into a new course in Molecular Ecology and the project will provide research experiences to several undergraduate students and one Master's degree student at an undergraduate institution.