Merging ecology and genomics to dissect diversity in wild tomatoes and their relatives

To understand the origin, history, and function, of natural biological variation, from nucleotide to community levels, is a fundamental promise of ecological genomics. The most fruitful systems for this work are those that possess both ecological and genomic resources. Such systems provide an opportunity to precisely dissect genetic and developmental mechanisms, and to connect genotypes to phenotypes, as well as to directly demonstrate the ecological and evolutionary relevance of this phenotypic variation. Here we synthesize findings emerging from our efforts to understand two fundamental evolutionary processes - speciation and adaptation - using ecological genomics approaches. Many of these studies have been in the wild tomato clade (Solanum section Lycopersicon), a group that has both exceptional diversity and genomic tools. We also highlight the expanding taxonomic reach of this work, especially in two genera - Capsicum and Jaltomata - that are closely related to Solanum. Parallel approaches in these ecologically and reproductively diverse clades enable us to examine novel questions and traits that are not captured within Solanum, while leveraging the power of comparative studies to understand shared ecological and evolutionary patterns. By synthesizing findings from phenotypic, ecophysiological, genetic, and comparative perspectives, our ultimate goal is to understand the complex mechanistic and evolutionary contributions to the formation of new traits and species diversity.