Effect of Altered Thermal Regimes on Fitness of a Non-native Plant, Brassica rapa

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change is negatively impacting the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, altering the distribution and abundance of many plant species. We reviewed various papers on thermal regime heritability and tested this regime in the invasive species Brassica rapa. We saw a significant relationship between second-generation dry weight and thermal condition. Invasive species and their ability to outcompete local, native species and crop plants should continue to be studied via the maternal-offspring relationship.