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研究背景与目的：矮牵牛属（Petunia）为研究生物多样性热点区域的物种形成提供了宝贵契机，本研究聚焦于具有多样花部综合征的类群。本次研究针对一个展现出从浅紫至深紫一系列花色的种群展开，旨在解析其起源并探究矮牵牛属的分化模式。 研究方法：我们针对不同物种的多个个体开展基因型分型测序（Genotyping-by-Sequencing），以评估种群结构与杂交模式，进而通过多种种群历史模型解析异常矮牵牛种群的演化历史。 主要结果：种群结构分析显示，非典型个体拥有独特的遗传组分，且无证据表明其起源于种间杂交。种群历史模型与物种界定方法得到了相悖的结果，这可能源于矮牵牛属内的快速分化。 研究结论：本研究结果表明，在生物多样性热点区域解析矮牵牛属物种的演化起源颇具挑战；但该研究为探究新热带区的物种形成以及物种与种群层面的花色演化提供了宝贵机遇。 发表信息：Pezzi, P.H.、Gonçalves, L.T.、Backes, A.、Giudicelli, G.C.、Turchetto, C.、Bombarely, A. 与 Freitas, L.B.，2026年。《南美草原生物多样性热点区域矮牵牛属快速分化的基因组解析》。《植物学年鉴（Annals of Botany）》，文章编号mcaf329。https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcaf329