Phylogenetics informs host range testing for Acacia auriculiformis in Florida

Background: Acacia auriculiformis (earleaf acacia), an Australian perennial tree, is an increasingly problematic invasive species in Florida. Objective: Create a host range molecular phylogeny by generating test plant patristic distances to earleaf acacia (using rbcL sequences). Methods: DNA was extracted and sequenced from 98 Fabaceae species and an additional 28 sequences were downloaded from NCBI. Results: Molecular phylogenetics and patristic distance inform which plant species should be tested starting with closely related (usually native) plants, especially those threatened or [...]