Integrated System Inference on the Invasive Biology of Phragmites australis (common reed)

Invasive plant species are shown to be threats by over-competing with other plant species for resources through aggressive mechanisms and eliminating native species. This paradoxical situation in the newly introduced areas for the alien species that become invasive through rapid adaptations, allowing them to eliminate the readily adapted native inhabitants, raised intrigue and gave birth to the field of invasive biology. The organism of interest in this study, Phragmites australis, is considered one of the major invasive species with an extensive capability for adaptation and resilience, leading to its invasiveness and complicating ecological management in invaded terrains. The functional mechanisms underlying its invasiveness are poorly understood. Various studies addressed the candidate genes and pathways contributing to invasiveness via enriched defense and stress response under harsh environmental conditions, including high salinity and drought. Even fewer studies have described the physiological adaptations that allow biochemical resistance, mostly by observing plant growth without elaborating on the molecular mechanisms. In our study, we put our efforts into addressing the aforementioned gaps in invasive biology research on P. australis by investigating genomic and transcriptomic properties to gain functional perspectives.