Cattail hybridization in national parks: An example of cryptic plant invasions
Marburger J and Travis S. 2013. Cattail hybridization in national parks: An example of cryptic plant invasions. Park Science. 30(2):58-68
Researchers and resource managers use forensic science to better understand the spread of an invasive plant group, cattails (Typha spp.). Hybridization of plants occurs when two species from the same or different genera mate and can successfully produce viable seeds. Hybridization of plants can increase genetic diversity, but it can also result in aggressive taxa that can displace native species and decrease wetland plant biodiversity. Here we identify two cattail species, Typha latifoliaa L. and T. angustifoliaa L., and hybrids of these two species referred to as T. x glaucaa Godr. using molecular markers called microsatellites, since morphological characteristics are not reliable indicators for identifying cattail taxa. The importance of cattail hybridization is that it has facilitated cattail spread in various wetlands of North America. From 2004 to 2012 we evaluated whether hybridization of cattails was occurring in seven Great Lakes national parks and two other national parks. We present results for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Voyageurs National Park. All parks except Pictured Rocks included hybrid taxa. The technique holds promise for cattail taxonomic identification for wetland managers. Cattail management methods are also described.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Marburger, Joy; Travis, Steve
- Units
- APIS , CUVA , EVER , INDU , NRSS , PIRO , PORE , SACN , SLBE , VOYA
- Keywords
- cattails, Hybrids, Microsatellites, Typha species