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Apomixis and Hybridization Drives Reticulate Evolution and Phyletic Differentiation in Sorbus L.: Implications for
Tracey J Hamston1,2, Natasha de Vere3,4, R Andrew King1
1Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group, Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|January 9, 2019
Summary
Hybridization and polyploidy drive plant evolution, with Sorbus species showing ongoing diversification. This study reveals apomixis and mutation shape Sorbus diversity, alongside hybridization contributing to speciation.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Plant sciences
- Genetics
Background:
- Hybridization and polyploidy are key drivers of plant evolution and speciation.
- The genus Sorbus serves as an excellent model for studying reticulate evolution due to ongoing diversification.
- Understanding breeding systems is crucial for comprehending the formation and genetic integrity of novel plant taxa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of hybridization, polyploidy, and apomixis in the evolutionary diversification of Sorbus.
- To elucidate the breeding systems and evolutionary origins within a complex of closely related Sorbus taxa.
- To assess genotypic diversity and population structure to understand speciation processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nuclear DNA microsatellite markers to analyze genetic diversity and population structure.
- Employed flow cytometry to assess polyploidy levels within Sorbus taxa.
- Conducted clonal analysis to determine reproductive strategies and genotypic diversity.
Main Results:
- Polyploid Sorbus taxa exhibit obligate apomixis, characterized by low genotypic diversity.
- Mutation is identified as the source of genotypic variation within apomictic Sorbus lineages, creating 'clone-mates'.
- Evidence suggests hybridization events among apomictic polyploid Sorbus taxa contribute to current species diversity.
Conclusions:
- Both macro- and micro-evolutionary processes are actively shaping the Sorbus complex.
- Apomixis, mutation, and hybridization collectively drive the reticulate evolution observed in Sorbus.
- Conservation efforts should focus on areas with high Sorbus species richness and potential for interspecific gene flow to preserve evolutionary processes.
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