Disentangling the connectivity of an invasive weed

With their delicate, trumpet shaped flowers that open to greet the rising sun, the morning glory has long been a horticultural favourite. Unfortunately, the quick growth and hardy nature of these plants has made them a noxious invasive weed in many parts of the world, with particularly damaging impacts on crop agriculture. Here, Dr Diego Alvarado Serrano, from the University of Michigan, discusses his recently published research on the genetic connectivity of the tall morning glory in the Eastern United States, which he and his collaborators hope will help to curtail the spread of both the plant itself and herbicide resistant genes. Related article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41437-018-0106-x