Domestication history and genetic changes for the newly evolved flower color in the ornamental plant <i>Lobularia maritima</i> (Brassicaceae).

ABSTRACT: Lobularia maritima (sweet alyssum) is a popular ornamental plant that displays a range of flower colors, particularly white and purple. However, the genetic underpinning and evolutionary history of flower colors have remained unknown. To address this, we performed a de novo assembly of a chromosome-level genome for this species and conducted comparative population genomic analyses of both domestic and wild representatives. These analyses revealed distinct genetic clusters corresponding to wild and domestic groups, with further subdivisions based on geographic and phenotypic differences. Importantly, all cultivars originated from a single domestication event within the Tunisia group. One wild group did not contribute genetically to the current cultivars. The new mutations in k

SUBMITTER: Yang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11879304 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature