A world genomic study shows why invasive species are so successful

Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is an annual weed species that is native to North America with a 200-year history of global introduction, particularly to Europe. The species ranks as the 12th worst alien plant in Europe and has health effects due to its prolific production of highly allergenic and wind-borne pollen. A study published in Science Advances describes the genomics of this species invasion and sheds light on the reasons for its success as an invasive species. The research team analyzed nearly 700 ragweed specimens, 300 of which came from herbaria. Some were 190 years old and date from the introduction of the plant in Europe. This allowed scientists to follow the evolution of ragweed in Europe. The researchers generated the largest collection of historic plant genome sequences to date, representing samples from two continents. This information helped them understand the massive spread of this species today. The study is original because the research team investigated the influence of microbial communities on the success of invasive plants by tracking the DNA of microorganisms present on leaves and plants at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales. This work revealed the existence of selection signatures on defense genes and a lower prevalence of disease-inducing plant pathogens in invasive European populations. Similarly, this genomics analysis showed temporal changes in population structure associated with genetic introgression from other closely related Ambrosia species. The decrease in specific microbial enemies likely contributed to the plant’s remarkable success as an invasive species. This study highlights the multiple factors that contribute to a species becoming invasive.

Reference

Bieker, V. C., Battlay, P., Petersen, B., Sun, X., Wilson, J., Brealey, J. C., Bretagnolle, F. & Martin, M. D. (2022). Uncovering the genomic basis of an extraordinary plant invasion. Science advances, 8(34), eabo5115., DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo511

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A world genomic study shows why invasive species are so successful

Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is an annual weed species that is native to North America with a 200-year history of global introduction, particularly to Europe. The species ranks as the 12th worst alien plant in Europe and has health effects due to its prolific production of highly allergenic and wind-borne pollen. A study published in Science Advances describes the genomics of this species invasion and sheds light on the reasons for its success as an invasive species. The research team analyzed nearly 700 ragweed specimens, 300 of which came from herbaria. Some were 190 years old and date from the introduction of the plant in Europe. This allowed scientists to follow the evolution of ragweed in Europe. The researchers generated the largest collection of historic plant genome sequences to date, representing samples from two continents. This information helped them understand the massive spread of this species today. The study is original because the research team investigated the influence of microbial communities on the success of invasive plants by tracking the DNA of microorganisms present on leaves and plants at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales. This work revealed the existence of selection signatures on defense genes and a lower prevalence of disease-inducing plant pathogens in invasive European populations. Similarly, this genomics analysis showed temporal changes in population structure associated with genetic introgression from other closely related Ambrosia species. The decrease in specific microbial enemies likely contributed to the plant's remarkable success as an invasive species. This study highlights the multiple factors that contribute to a species becoming invasive.

 

Reference

Bieker, V. C., Battlay, P., Petersen, B., Sun, X., Wilson, J., Brealey, J. C., Bretagnolle, F. & Martin, M. D. (2022). Uncovering the genomic basis of an extraordinary plant invasion. Science advances, 8(34), eabo5115., DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo511