Unraveling the role of apomixis in the diversification of the Zygopetalum maculatum orchid species complex

• Grant number: 14/04426-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2014
• End date: January 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany
• Principal Investigator: Samantha Koehler
• Grantee: Samantha Koehler
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Carlos Eduardo Pereira Nunes

Abstract

Whereas knowledge on the mechanisms and consequences of sexual reproduction in the Orchidaceae increases rapidly, the role of asexual reproduction on lineage diversification and speciation remains as one of the most challenging questions to be answered. In this context the 'Zygopetalum maculatum' species complex emerges as a potential model for study. This group is unique among orchids for having two distinct mechanisms of apomixis: apospory and adventitious embryony. Despite the presence of asexual reproduction, these orchids are also pollen dependent and pollinated by deceit. This scenario instigates the study on the origin, evolution and maintenance of apomixis in the 'Z. maculatum' species complex. Particularly I want to understand the contribution of apomixis in molecular diversification processes and reproductive isolation in this group. To answer these questions I will describe patterns of cytotype variation considering localities through the entire geographical distribution of this group. Plastid DNA sequence data and microsatellites will also be gathered to infer phylogenetic relationships, to describe phylogeographical patterns, to estimate population diversity and structure as well the contribution of apomitic vs sexual reproduction on the genetic architecture of this species complex. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

LOPES GOMES, SHAIANY SABRINA; VIDAL, JOAO D.; NEVES, CAMILA SIQUEIRA; ZORZATTO, CRISTIANE; SILVA CAMPACCI, THIAGO VINICIUS; LIMA, AMANDA KASSIA; KOEHLER, SAMANTHA; VICCINI, LYDERSON FACIO. Genome size and climate segregation suggest distinct colonization histories of an orchid species from Neotropical high-elevation rocky complexes. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, v. 124, n. 3, p. 456-465, JUL 2018. (14/04426-5)

MOURA, Y. A.; ALVES-PEREIRA, A.; DA SILVA, C. C.; SOUZA, L. M.; DE SOUZA, A. P.; KOEHLER, S.. Secondary origin, hybridization and sexual reproduction in a diploid-tetraploid contact zone of the facultatively apomictic orchid Zygopetalum mackayi. Plant Biology, v. 22, n. 5, p. 939-948, SEP 2020. (18/00036-9, 14/04426-5)

SILVA CAMPACCI, THIAGO VINICIUS; CASTANHO, CAMILA TOLEDO; FRANCA OLIVEIRAA, RENATA LAURINE; SUZUKI, ROGERIO MAMORU; MARTINS CATHARINO, EDUARDO LUIS; KOEHLER, SAMANTHA. Effects of pollen origin on apomixis in Zygopetalum mackayi orchids. FLORA, v. 226, p. 96-103, JAN 2017. (14/04426-5)