Demography and selection analysis of the incipient adaptive radiation of a Hawaiian woody species.

Ecological divergence in a species provides a valuable opportunity to study the early stages of speciation. We focused on Metrosideros polymorpha, a unique example of the incipient radiation of woody species, to examine how an ecological divergence continues in the face of gene flow. We analyzed the whole genomes of 70 plants collected throughout the island of Hawaii, which is the youngest island with the highest altitude in the archipelago and encompasses a wide range of environments.

Synergy between a shallow root system with a DRO1 homologue and localized P application improves P uptake of lowland rice.

Improved phosphorus (P) use efficiency for crop production is needed, given the depletion of phosphorus ore deposits, and increasing ecological concerns about its excessive use. Root system architecture (RSA) is important in efficiently capturing immobile P in soils, while agronomically, localized P application near the roots is a potential approach to address this issue. However, the interaction between genetic traits of RSA and localized P application has been little understood.

Leaf trichomes in Metrosideros polymorpha can contribute to avoiding extra water stress by impeding gall formation.

Background And Aims: Plants inhabiting arid environments tend to have leaf trichomes, but their adaptive significance remains unclear. Leaf trichomes are known to play a role in plant defence against herbivores, including gall makers. Because gall formation can increase water loss partly through increased surface area, we tested the novel hypothesis that leaf trichomes could contribute to avoiding extra water stress by impeding gall formation, which would have adaptive advantages in arid environments.