Open AccessHybridization with invasive R osa rugosa threatens the genetic integrity of native R osa mollis
Author(s) -
Kellner Alexandra,
Ritz Christiane M.,
Wissemann Volker
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
botanical journal of the linnean society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.872
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1095-8339
pISSN - 0024-4074
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8339.2012.01298.x
Subject(s) - rugosa , biology , endangered species , population , gene flow , microsatellite , genetic diversity , hybrid , botany , allopatric speciation , zoology , genetic variation , ecology , allele , genetics , gene , demography , sociology , habitat
Hybridization between invasive and native species often has severe consequences on fitness and survival of the native relative. We investigated the extent of hybridization between the neophyte R osa rugosa and native R . mollis, an endangered species in G ermany. R osa mollis is found in only one large population in G ermany close to the Baltic coast, which has been heavily invaded by R . rugosa for at least 60 years. We analysed all individuals of R . mollis from this mixed population using microsatellite markers and morphological characters and compared these data with those from allopatric populations of R . mollis and R . rugosa . In the mixed population we identified nine plants (45% of the population) as hybrids between R . mollis (seed parent) and R . rugosa (pollen parent) by the presence of microsatellite alleles private for R . rugosa. These individuals were also morphologically intermediate between the parental species. Gene flow from R . mollis into R . rugosa was negligible. We detected a very low genetic diversity and a low number of seeds per hip in the mixed population of R . mollis , pointing to genetic depletion and low fitness. In the light of these results and the difficulties in removing invasive R . rugosa from European coastlines, we discuss possible conservation strategies for this endangered population. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2012, 170 , 472–484.