Abstract

Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. (Oriental bittersweet) is an invasive liana from eastern Asia that now shares a large portion of its range with its native North American congener, Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet). Celastrus orbiculatus was originally introduced as an ornamental but is now a widespread pest species that harms native plants, is difficult to eradicate, and can both grow and spread quickly. The origin of invasion is difficult to pinpoint, but the Biltmore Nursery (Asheville, NC) could have been a primary source. To help determine the veracity of this claim, potential microsatellite loci were identified, then screened for consistent amplification and polymorphisms. DNA was extracted from adult and seedling C. orbiculatus leaves collected at various distances from the Biltmore Estate, then PCR amplified at 24 potential microsatellite loci. Fourteen loci amplified successfully, and 8 were polymorphic. Allelic diversity varied among populations, but genotypes did not cluster by distance from the putative source or by population. Greater genetic diversity was found in adult individuals than seedlings, suggesting some individuals are reproducing more than others. The successful development of these markers could help elucidate the origin of C. orbiculatus’ invasion in the southern Appalachian Mountains or discover invasion routes and gene flow patterns.

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