New polymorphic markers for genetic diversity studies in an invasive plant: the common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.)

Common ragweed is an annual herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is known as an invasive plant originating from the USA. In France the common ragweed is especially abundant in the Rhône-Alpes basin and currently spreads northwards in Burgundy. Ragweed colonizes different types of environments, such as railways, river sides, wastelands, farmlands and cultivated crops (especially sunflowers crops). Herbicide resistance to linuron, glyphosate and/or acetolactate synthase inhibitors has been reported in the USA, which complicates the chemical control of ragweed. In addition, the highly allergenic pollen of ragweed causes severe allergies. These elements make this plant a major threat …