Does higher ploidy level increase the risk of invasion? A case study with two geo-cytotypes of Solidago gigantea Aiton (Asteraceae)

Abstract

Understanding the role of genetics in biological invasions has become an important aspect for modern plant ecology. Many studies suggest that increased ploidy level benefits the success of an invasive species, but the basis for this phenomenon is not fully understood. in its native, North American range, Solidago gigantea has three geo-cytotypes comprising di-, tetra-and hexaploid populations, while in Europe, where it is highly invasive, S. gigantea stands are composed primarily of tetraploid individuals. Our study investigates whether North American hexaploids can induce a greater risk of invasion, due to their higher performance in a non-native range, as compared to the existing tetraploids of that range.