Hybridation et dynamique des populations chez les renouées du Japon: Espèces non-indigènes invasives du genre Fallopia Adans. (Polygonaceae) en Belgique ; Hybridization and dynamics of populations of the Japanese knotweeds: Alien invasive species of the genus Fallopia (Polygonaceae) in Belgium
The Japanese knotweeds are invasive alien clonal species originating in Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Nord of China). They were introduced in Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. They are now some of the most troublesome invasive alien species in Europe and in the United States. In Belgium, a complex of four taxa and a hybrid represents them. All these taxa take part in the pattern of invasion and represent an excellent opportunity for studies of population biology in Western continental Europe. The presence from at least three taxa and a hybrid is confirmed by cytological, genetic an... Mehr ...
The Japanese knotweeds are invasive alien clonal species originating in Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Nord of China). They were introduced in Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. They are now some of the most troublesome invasive alien species in Europe and in the United States. In Belgium, a complex of four taxa and a hybrid represents them. All these taxa take part in the pattern of invasion and represent an excellent opportunity for studies of population biology in Western continental Europe. The presence from at least three taxa and a hybrid is confirmed by cytological, genetic and morphological studies. Vegetative reproduction is recognized as the main mode of reproduction and expansion of these taxa in the introduce range. However, interspecific hybridization events are observed confirming the restoration of the sexual reproduction by hybridization within this complex species in Belgium. Hybrid F. x bohemica with various ploidy levels from tetraploid to octoploid is observed. An increase in genotypic and morphological diversity is shown at the hybrid F. x bohemica which missed with the parental species. This could increase the potential of Japanese knotweeds to adapt to the new environment and contribute to the invasive success of these taxa in Belgium. Assignment test indicates a genetic pool differentiated at the hybrid F. x bohemica and not a mixture of the genetic pool of the parental species as expected for hybrid taxa. Hybrid F. x bohemica has always been considered as rare in Belgium and of horticultural origin. An analysis of the spatial distribution shows that hybrid F. x bohemica is widespread in Belgium and that its abundance depends on the areas. An analysis of extent of differentiation between groups of hybrid geographically distant could not provide proof of an independent evolution of hybrid populations under limited gene flow. An analysis of the sexual reproduction capacity and dispersal of seeds shows important production of viable seeds and consequent seed rain. Hybrid seeds may ...