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SUMMARY:Genetics of speciation in Petunia - Cris Kuhlemeirer\, Bern Univer
 sity
DTSTART:20121129T130000Z
DTEND:20121129T140000Z
UID:TALK39038@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Jill Harrison
DESCRIPTION:Animal-mediated pollination is essential in the reproductive b
 iology of many flowering plants and tends to be associated with pollinatio
 n syndromes\, sets of floral traits that are adapted to particular groups 
 of pollinators. The complexity and functional convergence of various trait
 s within pollination syndromes are outstanding examples of biological adap
 tation\, raising questions about their mechanisms and origins. In the genu
 s Petunia\, distinct pollination syndromes are found for nocturnal hawkmot
 hs (P. axillaris)\, diurnal bees (P. integrifolia) and hummingbirds (P. ex
 serta)\, with characteristic differences in petal color\, corolla shape\, 
 reproductive organ morphology\, nectar quantity\, nectar quality and fragr
 ance. We use QTL mapping and genetic introgression to define the major gen
 etic loci underlying shifts in pollination syndromes and assess their effe
 ct on pollinator behavior. Using petal color as an example\, I will show h
 ow polymorphisms in a single gene cause major shifts in pollinator prefere
 nce. The identification of such polymorphisms at the molecular level will 
 be important to understand how pollination syndromes evolved and contribut
 ed to the restriction of gene flow during incipient speciation.
LOCATION:Department of Plant Sciences\, Large Lecture Theatre
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