Data from Pezzi et al. (2026) - Genomic insights into the rapid diversification of Petunia in a biodiversity hotspot in the South American grasslands

Background and aimsPetunia provides a valuable opportunity to study speciation in a biodiversity hotspot, focusing on species with varied floral syndromes. Here, we examined a population displaying a range of flower colors, from light to dark purple, to determine its origin and explore the diversification patterns of Petunia.MethodsWe employed Genotyping-by-Sequencing on multiple individuals from different species to assess population structure and hybridization patterns, thereby revealing insights into the evolutionary history of unusual Petunia populations through various demographic models.Key ResultsPopulation structure analyses revealed a distinct genetic component unique to the atypical individuals, with no evidence supporting interspecific hybrid origins. Demographic models and species delimitation methods produced conflicting results, likely due to the rapid diversification within the genus Petunia.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that tracing the evolutionary origins of Petunia species in a biodiversity hotspot is challenging; however, it offers a valuable opportunity to study speciation in the Neotropics and flower color evolution at both the species and population levels.Publication: Pezzi, P.H., Gonçalves, L.T., Backes, A., Giudicelli, G.C., Turchetto, C., Bombarely, A., & Freitas, L.B. 2026. Genomic insights into the rapid diversification of Petunia in a biodiversity hotspot in the South American grasslands. Ann. Bot, mcaf329. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcaf329