Data from: Genetic admixture and heterosis may enhance the invasiveness of common ragweed

Performance of admixed genotypes was highly variable, ranging from strong heterotic effects to weak outbreeding depression. Moreover, heterosis was not uniformly observed among between-population crosses, but certain native population crosses showed considerable heterosis, especially under simulated herbivory. In contrast, heterosis was largely absent in crosses from the introduced range, possibly implying that these populations were already admixed and benefit little from further mixing.

In conclusion, these results support the hypothesis that heterosis may contribute to biological invasions, and indicate the need to minimize new introductions of exotic species, even if they are already present in the introduced range.

Usage notes

Ragweed_heterosis_data_Hahn Phenotypic data of plants of common ragweed from a greenhouse experiment using artificial crosses within and between populations from the native and the introduced range. Description of the data variables in README.csv file.