Abstract Detail

Phylogenomics

Eserman, Lauren [1], Leebens-Mack, Jim [2].

Phylogenetics of the sweet potato complex: A comparison of RAD-seq and targeted gene capture for resolving relationships.

Sweet potato ranks among the top ten most produced crops in the world. The rich carbohydrate and vitamin A reserves in the storage roots of sweet potato are a vital source of nutrition for people in many developing countries. Currently, improvement of sweet potato is dependent upon existing genetic variation a small number of breeding lines. Whereas wild relatives of crop species can be an important source of genetic material for crop improvement, the relationships of sweet potato breeding lines to their wild relatives are unknown. We are utilizing genomic approaches to resolve relationships between sweet potato and its wild relatives (the Batatas complex) and shed light on the genetic changes that contributed to the evolution of storage roots in cultivated sweet potato. Estimating the phylogeny of the Batatas complex is complicated by three main factors: 1) this is a relatively young group of species, 2) there may be ongoing gene flow among geographically proximal populations, and 3) species vary in their ploidy level. We will present a comparison of RADseq and gene capture approaches and the ability of both types of data to resolve relationships among 16 closely-related members of the Batatas complex. We are applying modern phylogenomic methods to estimate relationships within the Batatas complex as well as to reconstruct the evolutionary history of polyploidization and storage root development in the Batatas complex. These findings have the potential to advance sweet potato breeding efforts, including recent work to develop productive and robust cultivars for Africa.

1 - University Of Georgia, Plant Biology, 2502 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
2 - University Of Georgia, 4503 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

Keywords:
sweet potato
anchored phylogenomics
RADseq
morning glory
Species complex
Ipomoea.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 38, Phylogenomics III
Location: 204/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: 38003
Abstract ID:705
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award