Novel genome characteristics contribute to the invasiveness of Phragmites australis (common reed)

Molecular Ecology
By: , and 

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Abstract

The rapid invasion of the non-native Phragmites australis (Poaceae, subfamily Arundinoideae) is a major threat to native wetland ecosystems in North America and elsewhere. We describe the first reference genome for Paustralis and compare invasive (ssp. australis) and native (ssp. americanus) genotypes collected from replicated populations across the Laurentian Great Lakes to deduce genomic bases driving its invasive success. Here, we report novel genomic features including a Phragmites lineage-specific whole genome duplication, followed by gene loss and preferential retention of genes associated with transcription factors and regulatory functions in the remaining duplicates. Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed that genes associated with biotic stress and defence responses were expressed at a higher basal level in invasive genotypes, but native genotypes showed a stronger induction of defence responses when challenged by a fungal endophyte. The reference genome and transcriptomes, combined with previous ecological and environmental data, add to our understanding of mechanisms leading to invasiveness and support the development of novel, genomics-assisted management approaches for invasive Phragmites.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Novel genome characteristics contribute to the invasiveness of Phragmites australis (common reed)
Series title Molecular Ecology
DOI 10.1111/mec.16293
Volume 31
Issue 4
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 18 p.
First page 1142
Last page 1159
Country United States
State Michigan, Ohio
Other Geospatial Great Lakes, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
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