Phylogenomics reveal Populusgonggaensis as a hybrid between P.lasiocarpa and P.cathayana (Salicaceae)

Wenyan Du; Yachao Wang; Dajun Xie; Enze Li; Yuran Bai; Ce Shang; Zhixiang Zhang

doi:10.3897/phytokeys.237.103012

Phylogenomics reveal Populusgonggaensis as a hybrid between P.lasiocarpa and P.cathayana (Salicaceae)

PhytoKeys. 2024 Jan 23:237:161-177. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.237.103012. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Wenyan Du¹, Yachao Wang², Dajun Xie³, Enze Li¹, Yuran Bai¹, Ce Shang¹, Zhixiang Zhang¹

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Systematic Evolution and Biogeography of Woody Plants, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China Beijing Forestry University Beijing China.
² School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China Fudan University Shanghai China.
³ Sichuan Academy of Forestry, Chengdu 610000, China Sichuan Academy of Forestry Chengdu China.

Abstract

High levels of intra-specific polymorphism and frequent hybridisation make it difficult to define species and correctly apply their scientific names. Populus L. is a challenging genus with plentiful natural and artificial hybrids. This study is a part of the project 'Flora of Pan-Himalaya' and aims to determine the taxonomic identity of P.gonggaensis N. Chao & J.R. He and to find out whether it is of hybrid origin. Whole-genome sequencing data were obtained from 57 samples. The SNP matrix was developed for phylogenetic reconstruction, ABBA-BABA statistics, PCA and ADMIXTURE analysis. The results indicate that P.gonggaensis is a spontaneous hybrid between P.lasiocarpa and P.cathayana. This study points out the importance of SNP data and comprehensive analyses for discovering the potential interspecific hybridisation and clarifies the usage of the name. In addition, the lectotype of P.gonggaensis was designated.

Keywords: Populusgonggaensis; hybrid origin; whole genome resequencing.

Wenyan Du, Yachao Wang, Dajun Xie, Enze Li, Yuran Bai, Ce Shang, Zhixiang Zhang.