Sarah Ward Homepage
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
Hybridization between invasive toadflax species
We are investigating hybridization between yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) and Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria genistifolia subsp. dalmatica), two introduced species now invasive throughout the Intermountain West. Although the native European ranges of these two toadflaxes do not overlap, invasive populations of yellow and Dalmatian toadflax co-occur in many areas of the Rocky Mountains, and our research has confirmed that spontaneous hybridization is taking place between them. We are now investigating whether hybrid populations represent a greater invasive threat than the parent species.
In an ongoing collaboration with Dr. Sharlene Sing at Montana State University, we are also examining the feeding behavior on hybrid plants of two biocontrol agents (Brachypterolus pulicarius and Mecinus janthinus) that are currently released on yellow and Dalmatian toadflax. As each of these insects has a distinct preference for one or the other parent toadflax species, our goal is to find out whether both (or neither) of them will be effective on hybrid toadflax plants.
Genetics and fitness costs of herbicide resistance in kochia
In this project we are working with populations of kochia (Kochia scoparia), a serious drought-resistant weed throughout the western Plains and Rocky Mountain states that has developed widespread herbicide resistance. In collaboration with Dr. William Dyer at Montana State University, we are investigating the genetic basis of multiple herbicide resistance in a single kochia line from Montana. We are also examining the population and reproductive biology of Colorado kochia with unusually high levels of resistance to dicamba, focusing on fitness costs associated with this level of resistance.
