Genomics of the origin and evolution of Citrus.

TitleGenomics of the origin and evolution of Citrus.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsWu, GAlbert, Terol, J, Ibañez, V, López-García, A, Pérez-Román, E, Borredá, C, Domingo, C, Tadeo, FR, Carbonell-Caballero, J, Alonso, R, Curk, F, Du, D, Ollitrault, P, Roose, ML, Dopazo, J, Gmitter, FG, Rokhsar, DS, Talon, M
JournalNature
Volume554
Issue7692
Pagination311-316
Date Published2018 02 15
ISSN1476-4687
KeywordsAsia, Southeastern; Biodiversity; citrus; Crop Production; Evolution, Molecular; Genetic Speciation; Genome, Plant; Genomics; Haplotypes; Heterozygote; History, Ancient; Human Migration; Hybridization, Genetic; Phylogeny
Abstract

The genus Citrus, comprising some of the most widely cultivated fruit crops worldwide, includes an uncertain number of species. Here we describe ten natural citrus species, using genomic, phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses of 60 accessions representing diverse citrus germ plasms, and propose that citrus diversified during the late Miocene epoch through a rapid southeast Asian radiation that correlates with a marked weakening of the monsoons. A second radiation enabled by migration across the Wallace line gave rise to the Australian limes in the early Pliocene epoch. Further identification and analyses of hybrids and admixed genomes provides insights into the genealogy of major commercial cultivars of citrus. Among mandarins and sweet orange, we find an extensive network of relatedness that illuminates the domestication of these groups. Widespread pummelo admixture among these mandarins and its correlation with fruit size and acidity suggests a plausible role of pummelo introgression in the selection of palatable mandarins. This work provides a new evolutionary framework for the genus Citrus.

DOI10.1038/nature25447
Alternate JournalNature
PubMed ID29414943