A generalist–specialist trade-off between switchgrass cytotypes impacts climate adaptation and geographic range

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2118879119
• Publication Date: 2022-04-04T19:27:16Z
• Authors: Joseph D. Napier; Paul P. Grabowski; John T. Lovell; Jason Bonnette; Sujan Mamidi; Maria Jose Gomez-...; Acer VanWallendael; Xiaoyu Weng; Lori H. Handley; Min K. Kim; Arvid R. Boe; Philip A. Fay; Felix B. Fritschi; Julie D. Jastrow; John Lloyd-Reilley; David B. Lowry; Roser Matamala; Robert B. Mitchell; Francis M. Rouquette; Yanqi Wu; Jenell Webber; Teresa Jones; Kerrie Barry; Jane Grimwood; Jeremy Schmutz; Thomas E. Juenger
• Keywords: Panicum virgatum; Adaptability; Local adaptation; Environmental niche modelling

Polyploidy results from whole-genome duplication and is a unique form of heritable variation with pronounced evolutionary implications. Different ploidy levels, or cytotypes, can exist within single species, such systems provide an opportunity to assess how alters phenotypic novelty, adaptability, fitness, which can, in turn, drive the development ecological niches that promote coexistence multiple cytotypes. Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, widespread, perennial C4 grass North America naturally occurring primarily tetraploids (4×) octoploids (8×). Using combination genomic, quantitative genetic, landscape, niche modeling approaches, we detect divergent levels genetic admixture, evidence differentiation, differential environmental sensitivity between switchgrass Taken together, these findings support generalist (8×)–specialist trade-off. Our indicate 8× represent has allowed expansion switchgrass’ thus putatively represents valuable breeding resource.