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GENETIC VARIATION IN ALLIGATOR WEED INFLUENCES HERBICIDE EFFECTIVENESS ACROSS REGIONS
Gill, Naman
Gill, Naman
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2025-12-18
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Abstract
Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is a highly invasive species that threatens waterways, agriculture, and ecosystems worldwide. While herbicide treatments have successfully managed populations in Mississippi, they have been less effective in Australia and New Zealand. This research investigated whether genetic differences among populations contribute to these inconsistencies in control effectiveness. To test this, we genotyped alligator weed samples from Mississippi, Australia, and New Zealand using chloroplast DNA markers to identify haplotypes. Results revealed significant genetic variation among regions. Mississippi populations exhibited greater haplotype diversity, with Ap1 and Ap3 being dominant, whereas Australia and New Zealand were primarily composed of Ap2, Ap3, and Ap5. The genetic lineages used in Mississippi herbicide trials did not directly match those found in Australia and New Zealand, suggesting that differences in herbicide response may be linked to genetic variation. These findings indicate that current herbicide trials may not accurately predict effectiveness in non-U.S. regions. Future testing on genetically relevant populations will improve control strategies, ensuring more effective management of alligator weed globally.