Evolutionary mechanisms in Psidium L. (Myrtaceae Juss.): phylogenetic and chromosomal approach

• Grant number: 09/03085-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2009
• End date: November 30, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Plant Taxonomy
• Principal Investigator: Eliana Regina Forni Martins
• Grantee: Itayguara Ribeiro da Costa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Recent molecular phylogenetic studies pointed Psidium as a monophyletic genus. Wherever, the relationships between the species and their limits are unclear and more studies are necessary. Phylogenetic and chromosomal have been supported the taxonomic studies in this genus. Chromosomal studies pointed to uniformity of basic chromosomic number x = 11, with several polyploid species (80%) with 2n = 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77 and 88, besides some polyploidy cytotypes in several species. Molecular citogenetic studies have permitted the identification of types of polyploid and hybrids in this genus, and in some cases, supplying data to taxonomical studies. A phylogenetic approach with molecular data will be help to understand the intergeneric relationships in Psidium, supplying additional data to permit to understand the karyotypic evolution and solving the taxonomical problems in this genus.