Exploring genomic diversity and reproductive strategies in three expansion phases of the superdominant Brachypodium rupestre in high mountain grasslands

Abstract

Tall-grass expansion in natural plant communities is a concern under current global change scenarios. Driven by factors such as community vulnerability and the competitive abilities of tall-grass species, this phenomenon is exemplified by Brachypodium rupestre (Host) Roem. and Schult, a perennial tall-grass native to Europe. B. rupestre spreads aggressively in the grasslands of the western Pyrenees due to a disrupted regime of lack of herbivory and recurrent burnings that has persisted over several decades. This study aims to investigate whether the contrasted managements of grazing, abandonment and burnings have promoted specific reproductive traits and impacted the population genomics of B. rupestre. Nine sites varying in cover of B. rupestre classified into three expansion phases associated to different management regimes were monitored: (i) scattered populations in multispecific grazed sites, (ii) stand populations expanding at sites of relaxed grazing or abandonment, and (iii) superdominant populations constituting dense degraded covers in recurrently burned sites. ddRADseq data showed high genomic diversity but relatively low genomic structure, likely due to substantial gene flow and the absence of wind barriers. The standardized index of association supported asexual reproduction in all populations, which is coupled with sexual reproduction. Contrasting management practices did not promote distinct genomic identities between expansion phases; rather, the genetic differentiation and divergence of populations responded to life history and spatial isolation, even within a small geographic area. The similar levels of genetic diversity and the significantly different number of clones between expansion phases suggest a complex pattern of genotypic and clonal variability, which may be influenced by environmental factors (historical disturbance regimes).