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

The rapid invasion of the non‐nativePhragmites australis(Poaceae, subfamily Arundinoideae) is a major threat to native wetland ecosystems in North America and elsewhere. We describe the first reference genome forPaustralisand 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 aPhragmiteslineage‐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 invasivePhragmites.

 
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Award ID(s):
1923589 1616827
NSF-PAR ID:
10363942
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley-Blackwell
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Molecular Ecology
Volume:
31
Issue:
4
ISSN:
0962-1083
Page Range / eLocation ID:
p. 1142-1159
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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