Diploid Hybrid Drives Fast Spread of Invasive Salvinia Fern
New genome analysis shows Salvinia molesta is a diploid hybrid, not the previously assumed allopentaploid, causing meiotic mispairing and preventing sexual reproduction; instead, the fern spreads clonally by fragments that become genetically identical plants, forming dense mats that disrupt freshwater ecosystems. This clonality could make management more predictable and potentially reduce time and costs to restore affected lakes and ponds.
