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ARS Home » Plains Area » Sidney, Montana » Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory » Pest Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #396160
Research Project: Biological Control and Habitat Restoration for Invasive Weed Management

Location: Pest Management Research

Title: Genetic diversity and structure of Crupina vulgaris (common crupina): A noxious rangeland weed of the western United States

Author
item Gaskin, John
item CHAPAGAIN, NISHA - University Of Idaho
item SCHWARZLÄNDER, MARK - University Of Idaho
item Tancos, Matthew
item West, Natalie

Submitted to: NeoBiota
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/2022
Publication Date: 2/6/2023
Citation: Gaskin, J.F., Chapagain, N., Schwarzländer, M., Tancos, M.A., West, N.M. 2023. Genetic diversity and structure of Crupina vulgaris (common crupina): A noxious rangeland weed of the western United States. NeoBiota. 82:57-66. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.82.90229.suppl1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.82.90229.suppl1

Interpretive Summary: Common crupina (Crupina vulgaris) is a federal noxious weed in the western USA that is currently the target of a classical biological control program using the fungus Ramularia crupinae. Due to potential differences of varieties and genotypes of common crupina to fungal attack, we investigated the genetic diversity, location of different varieties, and population structure of this invasive weed. We found seven genotypes for 326 plants in 17 populations. Genotypes correlated with two taxa, either C. vulgaris var. vulgaris or C. vulgaris var. brachypappa. This annual species is outcrossing, but relies on selfing when pollination does not occur, which may explain why less than 1% of the genetic variation is within populations. With our results, researchers and managers will be able to predict and survey for differential efficacy of the fungus on the different genotypes and varieties during initial biological control field releases, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful biocontrol establishment and impact.

Technical Abstract: Common crupina (Crupina vulgaris) is a federal noxious weed in the western USA that is currently the target of a classical biological control program using the fungus Ramularia crupinae. Due to potential differences of varieties and genotypes of common crupina to fungal attack, we investigated the genetic diversity, location of different varieties, and population structure of this invasive weed. We found seven AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) genotypes for 326 plants in 17 populations. AFLP genotypes correlated with two taxa, either C. vulgaris var. vulgaris or C. vulgaris var. brachypappa. This annual species is outcrossing, but relies on selfing when pollination does not occur, which may explain why less than 1% of the genetic variation is within populations. We found strong population genetic structuring and can accurately predict genotype or variety for a given location. Researchers and managers will be able to predict and survey for differential efficacy of the fungus on the different genotypes and varieties during initial biological control field releases, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful biocontrol establishment and impact.