Unexpected hybridization reveals the utility of genetics in native plant restoration

Restoration Ecology
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

Native plant materials (NPMs) are increasingly utilized during the restoration of disturbed plant communities. Here, we analyze next‐generation genetic sequencing data for Hilaria jamesii, a dominant graminoid across drylands of the southwestern United States, and document that the species' only commercially‐available NPM, ‘Viva’, is a hybrid between H. jamesii and its sister species, H. mutica. In fact, hybrids between these species are common where they geographically overlap. Furthermore, we show that the ‘Viva’ hybrid has successfully been moved beyond the hybrid zone and into the core range of H. jamesii. The potential ramifications of introducing novel genetic material into H. jamesii are discussed, as well as the utility of genetic analyses to protect species natural patterns of genetic diversity and help managers make informed decisions regarding the development and deployment of NPMs.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Unexpected hybridization reveals the utility of genetics in native plant restoration
Series title Restoration Ecology
DOI 10.1111/rec.13189
Volume 28
Issue 5
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Southwest Biological Science Center
Description 6 p.
First page 1047
Last page 1052
Country Mexico, United States
State Arizona, Baja California, California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Sonora, Texas, Utah, Wyoming
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details