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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Forage and Range Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #329469
Title: Phylogenetic relationships among low ploidy Poa species using chloroplast sequences

Author
item JOSHI, ALPANA - Scotts Miracle-Gro
item Bushman, Shaun
item PICKETT, BRANDON - Brigham Young University
item Robbins, Matthew
item Staub, Jack
item JOHNSON, PAUL - Utah State University

Submitted to: Genome
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/26/2016
Publication Date: 11/23/2016
Citation: Joshi, A., Bushman, B.S., Pickett, B., Robbins, M.D., Staub, J.E., Johnson, P. 2016. Phylogenetic relationships among low ploidy Poa species using chloroplast sequences. Genome. doi: 10.1139/gen-2016-0110.

Interpretive Summary: The Poa genus includes important turf species such as Kentucky bluegrass and Texas bluegrass but is taxonomically and genetically difficult to delineate species due to polyploidy and unique breeding systems. Additionally, although 5% of the proposed species in Poa are considered to include diploids, very few of those diploids are represented in seed collections. Phylogenetic studies of Poa have included some diploid species, but only recently have studies focused on diploids to estimate Poa genome relationships. In this study, we build upon a foundation of diploid Poa relationships with additional confirmed diploid species, samples, and chloroplast sequences. Additionally, we hone in on possible ancestral genomes in Kentucky and Texas bluegrasses. The placement of new species and accessions fit within chloroplast lineages reported in previously better than by taxonomic subgenera and sections. Diploid species, and tetraploid species where diploids were not available, in the "P" chloroplast lineage grouped with Kentucky bluegrass. Poa iberica and P. remota were the closest low-ploidy species to Kentucky bluegrass from a phylogenetic perspective.

Technical Abstract: The Poa genus includes important turf species such as Kentucky bluegrass and Texas bluegrass but is taxonomically and genetically difficult to delineate species due to polyploidy and unique breeding systems. Additionally, although 5% of the proposed species in Poa are considered to include diploids, very few of those diploids are represented in seed collections. Phylogenetic studies of Poa have included some diploid species, but only recently have studies focused on diploids to estimate Poa genome relationships. In this study, we build upon a foundation of diploid Poa relationships with additional confirmed diploid species, samples, and chloroplast sequences. Additionally, we hone in on possible ancestral genomes in Kentucky and Texas bluegrasses. The placement of new species and accessions fit within chloroplast lineages reported in previously better than by taxonomic subgenera and sections. Diploid species, and tetraploid species where diploids were not available, in the "P" chloroplast lineage grouped with Kentucky bluegrass. Poa iberica and P. remota were the closest low-ploidy species to Kentucky bluegrass from a phylogenetic perspective.