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The potential role of polyploidy and hybridisation in the further evolution of the highly invasive Fallopia taxa in Europe

  • Special Issue
  • Evolution in biological invasion
  • Published:
Ecological Research

Abstract

Japanese knotweed s.l. comprises Fallopia japonica, F. sachalinensis, F. × bohemica and any F2s or backcrosses. The parental taxa were introduced from the East to the West as garden ornamentals in the nineteenth century, and soon spread beyond the confines of the garden to become widespread and persistent weeds. Since only female F. japonica var. japonica was introduced, its impressive spread has occurred solely by vegetative means. However, the initial lack of genetic variability has been complemented by an extensive series of hybridisations in the adventive range. We examine the history, spread, reproductive biology and ecological impact of these species in the West. The role and importance of polyploidy and hybridisation in their invasion of the West is discussed, as are the implications of these factors for the potential further evolution of the group.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grant no. B6005301 from the Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and by grant no. 1K05006K from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. We would also like to acknowledge Michelle Hollingsworth, Cat Pashley, Ann Conolly and various project students from over the years.

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  1. Kateřina Bímová & Bohumil Mandák

    Present address: Biology Department, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK

    John P. Bailey

  2. Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 252 43, Průhonice, Czech Republic

    Kateřina Bímová & Bohumil Mandák

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  1. John P. Bailey
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  2. Kateřina Bímová
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Correspondence to John P. Bailey.

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Bailey, J.P., Bímová, K. & Mandák, B. The potential role of polyploidy and hybridisation in the further evolution of the highly invasive Fallopia taxa in Europe. Ecol Res 22, 920–928 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-007-0419-3

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