Rapid adaptation and evolution in fireweed

Using the important east-coast weed, Senecio madagascariensis (fireweed), as our model, we are testing different demographic and genetic hypotheses as to why some plants become weeds. This project specifically tests alternative hypotheses about how weeds have become invasive. 

Four hypotheses are being formally tested as part of the project

1. the influence of admixture of source ranges on invasion potential is being tested by ascertaining the geographic and temporal introduction sequence of South African source(s) of fireweed into Australia.
2. the potential influence of hybridisation with Australian native species as a an evolutionary fast-track mechanism to introduce adaptive variation.
3. the potential for regulatory and rapid genomic adaptation and selective changes between invasive and native range material.
4. the potential for a demographic expansion only scenario and the potential for recent bioclimatic adaptive shift is being tested.