The project will characterize evolutionary processes occurring in invasive polyploid complexes by focusing on genetic and epigenetic alterations arising from hybridization and polyploidization, and their consequences on phenotypic characters in response to changing climate. The invasive polyploid complex Fallopia (Polygonaceae) is selected as a case study. The following questions will be addressed: Q1: At the European scale, are genetic diversities of hybrid taxa and parent taxa congruently structured?Q2: Are hybridization and polyploidy associated with rapid genetic and epigenetic alterations in Fallopia?Q3: What are the consequences of hybridization and polyploidy on phenotypic characters in response to changing climate?
