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Abstract:
Japanese knotweed is a robust plant invading many habitats across North America and Europe. Original- ly from East Asia, it was introduced and rapidly colo- nized many areas becoming one of the most invasive species in the world. Knotweeds provide a compel- ling example of the invasive species paradox: they have colonized new habitats and become dramatic invaders with very little genetic diversity. We present the results of a range of genomics approaches that have clarified the evolutionary history of this com- plex, revealing its introduction history from Japan to China and beyond. We also provide evidence of evolution of increased clonality and local adapta- tion in the introduced range. To do so, we integrate 15 years of data across common gardens and field surveys in the native and introduced ranges. This work is the product of an ongoing research collabo- rative comprised of experts across three continents that investigates how genetic, epigenetic, and phe- notypic variation mediate variation in performance of this species across its global distribution. Ongoing and future studies will integrate plant genomics and microbiome studies with assessments of eco-evo- lutionary feedback along latitudinal gradients in the native and introduced ranges to answer questions about the functional importance of intra- and interspecific biodiversity in the process of invasion.
