Hybridisation of alien invasive plants complicates efforts to develop biological control,
because variations in the genetic makeup of the target plant can impact the survival of host
specific agents that have evolved adaptations specific to the original host. To maximise the
likelihood of success in a biological control program, potential agents should therefore be
collected from populations in the region of origin that are genetically similar to plants in the
invaded range. Molecular markers are useful tools to understand genetic contributions in …