POPOVICH, encoding a C2H2-zinc finger transcription factor, plays a central role in the development of a key innovation, floral nectar spurs, in Aquilegia

We sought to identify an important developmental regulator controlling the formation of a key innovation, petal nectar spurs, in the genus Aquilegia. We combined QTL mapping conducted with whole genome skim sequencing and RNAseq to identify a C2H2-zinc finger transcription factor that functions to maintain mitosis in the developing Aquilegia nectar spur. Orthologs of this gene in other taxa appear to function in leaf development. Future studies will aim to identify when this gene gained a role in spur development in the petals of the Aquilegia ancestor.