Admixture, local adaptation and inbreeding depression in invasive plants

Admixture (mixing of previously isolated genotypes) can play an important role in biological invasions. We study the relation between admixture, local adaptation and inbreeding depression in native and invasive populations of Lythrum salicaria to test the role of local adaptation in isolation and inbreeding of populations. Furthermore, we aim to investigate the effects of admixture on plant chemical defenses and herbivory resistance in native and invasive Lythrum populations. For analyses of the chemistry in Lythrum we apply both untargeted metabolomics approach (LC-MS) and targeted phenolics analyses.

Main investigators: Jun Shi & Mirka Macel

Collaborators: Koen Verhoeven (NIOO-KNAW).