Investigating the presence of compensatory evolution in dicamba resistant IAA16 mutated kochia (Bassia scoparia)(†)

BACKGROUND: Lack of fitness costs has been reported for multiple herbicide resistance traits, but the underlying evolutionary mechanisms are not well understood. Compensatory evolution that ameliorates resistance costs, has been documented in bacteria and insects but rarely studied in weeds. Dicamba resistant IAA16 (G73N) mutated kochia was previously found to have high fecundity in the absence of competition, regardless of significant vegetative growth defects. To understand if costs of dicamba resistance can be compensated through traits promoting reproductive success in kochia, we thoroughly characterized the reproductive growth and development of different G73N kochia biotypes. Flowering phenology, seed production and reproductive allocation were quantified through greenhouse studies, floral (stigma‐anthers distance) and seed morphology, as well as resulting mating and seed dispersal systems were studied through time‐course microcopy images. RESULTS: G73N covaried with multiple phenological, morphological and ecological traits that improve reproductive fitness: (i) 16–60% higher reproductive allocation; (ii) longer reproduction phase through early flowering (2–7 days); (iii) smaller stigma‐anthers separation (up to 60% reduction of herkogamy and dichogamy) that can potentially promote selfing and reproductive assurance; (iv) ‘winged’ seeds with 30–70% longer sepals that facilitate long‐distance seed dispersal. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that costs of herbicide resistance can be ameliorated through coevolution of other fitness penalty alleviating traits. As illustrated in a hypothetical model, the evolution of herbicide resistance is an ongoing fitness maximization process, which poses challenges to contain the spread of resistance. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.