Abstract Detail

Time to dig: the importance of underground storage organs in plant evolution

Wilson, Carol [1].

Have geophytic organs contributed to high species diversity in the Northern Hemisphere genus Iris?

Iris is a diverse genus of about 300 species spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere. One aspect of its diversity is the presence of geophytic organs, which include all recognized major forms except large woody structures. Research has shown that rhizomes are ancestral in Iris with tuberous roots, bulbs, tubers and corms present in mostly unrelated derived lineages. Historically, bulbs have received particular attention with researchers splitting the genus into as many as 25 genera, with three bulbous lineages recognized as distinct in most narrow circumscriptions of Iris. This study examined evolution of geophytic structures across the genus using a phylogeny based on plastid data. The study then focused on one lineage where most of the geophytic forms present in Iris are represented. Plastome and targeted nuclear markers were generated using skimming and hybrid sequencing methods and then used to develop hypotheses of geophytic character evolution across the lineage. Tubers, rhizomes and several bulbous forms were identified and examined. The geophytic forms revealed are discussed in relation to geography and bioclimatic regions.

1 - University Of California, Berkeley, UC & Jepson Herbaria, 1001 Valley Life Sciences #2465, Berkeley, CA, 94720, United States

Keywords:
bioclimatic regions
biogeography
Iridaceae
plastome
phylogeny
targeted markers.

Presentation Type: Colloquium Presentations
Session: CO07, Time to Dig: the importance of underground organs in plant evolution.
Location: Tucson J/Starr Pass
Date: Tuesday, July 30th, 2019
Time: 9:00 AM
Number: CO07002
Abstract ID:438
Candidate for Awards:None