Molecular Detection of a Non-Native Hybrid Eelgrass, Vallisneria spiralis Linnaeus (1753) × V. denseserrulata Makino (1921), In the Southeastern United States
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2021
Department
Coastal Sciences, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
School
Ocean Science and Engineering
Abstract
During a genetic survey of Vallisneria americana in the southeastern United States, a non-native hybrid between V. spiralis Linnaeus and V. denseserrulata Makino was detected in eight locations across Florida and Alabama. Although previously reported in Japan, Hungary, and Australia, this is the first documented occurrence of the hybrid in North America. Because natural ranges of both parent species are not sympatric in the wild, it is thought that the hybridization event occurred in aquaria. The presence of both species in the aquarium pet trade also makes the industry a potential source of the introduction in the United States. More extensive sampling will be necessary to determine the full distribution of the hybrid, as well as to evaluate its potential impact on native Vallisneria populations and the aquatic ecosystems they support.
Publication Title
Aquatic Botany
Volume
175
Recommended Citation
Gorham, S.,
Seyoum, S.,
Furman, B.,
Darnell, K.,
Reynolds, L.,
Tringali, M.
(2021). Molecular Detection of a Non-Native Hybrid Eelgrass, Vallisneria spiralis Linnaeus (1753) × V. denseserrulata Makino (1921), In the Southeastern United States. Aquatic Botany, 175.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/19206