The timing of molecular and morphological changes underlying reproductive transitions in wild tomatoes (Solanum sect. Lycopersicon)

Molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from genetic self-incompatibility to self-compatibility are well documented, but the evolution of other reproductive trait changes that accompany shifts in reproductive strategy (mating system) remain comparatively poorly understood. A notable exception is the transition from exserted styles to styles with recessed positions relative to the anthers in wild tomatoes (Solanum Section Lycopersicon). This phenotypic change has been previously attributed to specific mutation in the promoter of a gene that influences style length (style2.1); however, whether this specific regulatory mutation arose concurrently with the transition from long- to short-styles, and whether it is causally responsible for this phenotypic transition, has been poorly investigated across this group. To address this gap, we assessed 74 accessions (populations) from 13 species for quantitative genetic variation in floral and reproductive traits as well as the presence/abse...遗传自交不亲和性（genetic self-incompatibility）向自交亲和性转变的分子机制已有充分文献记载，但伴随交配系统（mating system）转变的其他生殖性状演化，目前相对而言仍未得到充分阐释。一个显著的例外是野生番茄（茄属番茄组Solanum Section Lycopersicon）中，花柱从伸出型转变为相对于花药呈内藏位置的表型演化。此前该表型转变被归因于影响花柱长度的基因style2.1的启动子区域存在特定突变；然而，该调控突变是否与长花柱向短花柱的转变同步发生，以及其是否确实是该表型转变的因果诱因，在该类群中尚未得到充分研究。为填补这一研究空白，我们对13个物种的74份种质（居群）开展了分析，评估其花部与生殖性状的数量遗传变异，以及是否存在……