Repeated migration, interbreeding and bottlenecking shaped the phylogeography of the selfing grass Brachypodium stacei.

Brachypodium stacei is the most ancestral lineage in the genus Brachypodium, a model system for grass functional genomics. B. stacei shows striking and sometimes contradictory biological and evolutionary features, including a high selfing rate yet extensive admixture, an ancient Miocene origin yet with recent evolutionary radiation, and adaptation to different dry climate conditions in its narrow distribution range.

Expansions and contractions of repetitive DNA elements reveal contrasting evolutionary responses to the polyploid genome shock hypothesis in model grasses.

grass species have been selected as model plants for functional genomics of grass crops, and to elucidate the origins of allopolyploidy and perenniality in monocots, due to their small genome sizes and feasibility of cultivation. However, genome sizes differ greatly between diploid or polyploid lineages. We have used genome skimming sequencing data to uncover the composition, abundance, and phylogenetic value of repetitive elements in 44 representatives of the major lineages and cytotypes.

Molecular Systematics of Mill. (Caprifoliaceae): Challenging the Taxonomic Value of Genetically Controlled Carpological Traits.

(cornsalad) is a taxonomically complex genus formed by 50-65 annual Holarctic species classified into at least four main sections. Carpological traits (sizes and shapes of achenes and calyx teeth) have been used to characterize its sections and species. However, the potential systematic value of these traits at different taxonomic ranks (from sections to species (and infraspecific taxa)) has not been tested phylogenetically yet.

Population genetics of the westernmost distribution of the glaciations-surviving black truffle Tuber melanosporum.

The black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vittad.) is an important natural resource due to its relevance as a delicacy in gastronomy. Different aspects of this hypogeous fungus species have been studied, including population genetics of French and Italian distribution ranges.

Balearic insular isolation and large continental spread framed the phylogeography of the western Mediterranean Cheirolophus intybaceus s.l. (Asteraceae).

Recent Quaternary geological and climate events have shaped the evolutionary histories of plant species in the Mediterranean basin, one of the most important hotspots of biodiversity. Genetic analyses of the western Mediterranean Cheirolophus intybaceus s.l.