Preliminary insights of the genetic diversity and invasion pathways of in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

is considered the second most invasive tree species of the Galapagos Islands. Although it is listed in CITES Appendix II and there are population losses in mainland Ecuador, in Galapagos it is paradoxically a species of concern due to its invasive potential. Genetic studies can shed light on the invasion history of introduced species causing effects on unique ecosystems like the Galapagos. We analyzed nine microsatellite markers in individuals from Galapagos and mainland Ecuador to describe the genetic diversity and population structure of in the Galapagos and to explore the origin and invasion history of this species. The genetic diversity found for in Galapagos (  = 0.55) was lower than reported in the mainland (  = 0.81), but higher than other invasive insular plant species, which could indicate multiple introductions. Our results suggest that Ecuador's northern Coastal region is the most likely origin of the Galapagos , although further genomic studies, like Whole Genome Sequencing, Rad-Seq, and/or Whole Genome SNP analyses, are needed to confirm this finding. Moreover, according to our proposed pathway scenarios, was first introduced to San Cristobal and/or Santa Cruz from mainland Ecuador. After these initial introductions, appears to have arrived to Isabela and Floreana from either San Cristobal or Santa Cruz. Here, we report the first genetic study of in the Galapagos and the first attempt to unravel the invasion history of this species. The information obtained in this research could support management and control strategies to lessen the impact that has on the islands' local flora and fauna.