Genetic variation among mainland and island populations of a native perennial grass used in restoration

Knowledge of species-level patterns of genetic diversity can inform and improve protocols when population reintroduction is a restoration objective. In a new study in AoB PLANTS, Hufford et al. describe the population genetic structure of a geographically widespread species, Elymus glaucus, which is now rare in temperate grasslands as a result of biological invasion and land conversion. They contrast data for mainland and Channel Island locations, and make recommendations for seed provenance selection in ecological restoration using genetic marker data and considering prior field studies of adaptive divergence.