Transcriptome data from silica-preserved leaf tissue reveal gene flow patterns in a Caribbean bromeliad

Area of Science:

• Plant evolutionary biology
• Population genetics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• RNA preservation for transcriptome sequencing typically requires ultracold storage.
• Field-collected plant samples are often difficult to preserve under such conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate RNA can be obtained from silica-preserved plant tissue for transcriptome sequencing.
• To investigate the evolutionary relationships and gene flow barriers within the genus Pitcairnia in the Dominican Republic.

Main Methods:

• RNA extraction from silica-dried leaf tissue of 19 Pitcairnia individuals.
• Application of macro- and micro-evolutionary analyses.
• Population genetic examination of gene flow patterns.

Main Results:

• High-quality transcriptomes were successfully generated from silica-preserved samples.
• Evolutionary relationships of Pitcairnia align more closely with geography than species delimitation.
• Ecological and geographical factors act as barriers to gene flow in Pitcairnia populations.

Conclusions:

• Silica gel is a viable method for preserving plant tissue for transcriptome sequencing.
• Pitcairnia populations in the Dominican Republic exhibit significant barriers to gene flow, particularly the Cordillera Central.
• Current genetic diversity does not support the classification of Pitcairnia populations as distinct species.