Data and R-code for: “Integrating DNA fingerprinting of invasive watermilfoil strains into aquatic vegetation monitoring and assessment”

Abstract

Invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) hybridizes with native northern watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum Komarov). Previous genetic studies have identified numerous distinct Eurasian and hybrid strains that can differ in their invasiveness (e.g., growth and potential for spread) and response to herbicides. To identify problematic or invasive strains of watermilfoil we assessed the response of different watermilfoil strains to aquatic vegetation management in eight Minnesota lakes over the course of 3 yr. Specifically, we looked for changes in strain composition of watermilfoil populations over time to identify strains of specific interest for further characterization of growth and herbicide response. Eurasian watermilfoil was collected from point intercept surveys (125 to 230 points at each waterbody) before and after herbicide treatments and generally twice per year over 3 years. Plants were idented to genotype using microsatellite markers and changes in genotype occurrence and frequency were assess for changes over time and in response to treatment. Additional details and methods are presented in Gannon et al. 2022.