Christian Silva1, Guillaume Besnard2, Anthony Piot2, Jacqueline Razanatsoa3, Reyjane P Oliveira4, Maria S Vorontsova5. 1. Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Botânica, Av. Transnordestina s.n., Feira de Santana, Bahia 44036-900, Brazil christian_da_silva@hotmail.com. 2. CNRS, Université de Toulouse, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France. 3. Herbier, Département Flore, Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, BP 4096, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar. 4. Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Botânica, Av. Transnordestina s.n., Feira de Santana, Bahia 44036-900, Brazil. 5. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent developments in DNA sequencing, so-called next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods, can help the study of rare lineages that are known from museum specimens. Here, the taxonomy and evolution of the Malagasy grass lineage Chasechloa was investigated with the aid of NGS. METHODS: Full chloroplast genome data and some nuclear sequences were produced by NGS from old herbarium specimens, while some selected markers were generated from recently collected Malagasy grasses. In addition, a scanning electron microscopy analysis of the upper floret and cross-sections of the rachilla appendages followed by staining with Sudan IV were performed on Chasechloa to examine the morphology of the upper floret and the presence of oils in the appendages. KEY RESULTS: Chasechloa was recovered within tribe Paniceae, sub-tribe Boivinellinae, contrary to its previous placement as a member of the New World genus Echinolaena (tribe Paspaleae). Chasechloa originated in Madagascar between the Upper Miocene and the Pliocene. It comprises two species, one of them collected only once in 1851. The genus is restricted to north-western seasonally dry deciduous forests. The appendages at the base of the upper floret of Chasechloa have been confirmed as elaiosomes, an evolutionary adaptation for myrmecochory. CONCLUSIONS: Chasechloa is reinstated at the generic level and a taxonomic treatment is presented, including conservation assessments of its species. Our study also highlights the power of NGS technology to analyse relictual or probably extinct groups.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent developments in DNA sequencing, so-called next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods, can help the study of rare lineages that are known from museum specimens. Here, the taxonomy and evolution of the Malagasy grass lineage Chasechloa was investigated with the aid of NGS. METHODS: Full chloroplast genome data and some nuclear sequences were produced by NGS from old herbarium specimens, while some selected markers were generated from recently collected Malagasy grasses. In addition, a scanning electron microscopy analysis of the upper floret and cross-sections of the rachilla appendages followed by staining with Sudan IV were performed on Chasechloa to examine the morphology of the upper floret and the presence of oils in the appendages. KEY RESULTS: Chasechloa was recovered within tribe Paniceae, sub-tribe Boivinellinae, contrary to its previous placement as a member of the New World genus Echinolaena (tribe Paspaleae). Chasechloa originated in Madagascar between the Upper Miocene and the Pliocene. It comprises two species, one of them collected only once in 1851. The genus is restricted to north-western seasonally dry deciduous forests. The appendages at the base of the upper floret of Chasechloa have been confirmed as elaiosomes, an evolutionary adaptation for myrmecochory. CONCLUSIONS: Chasechloa is reinstated at the generic level and a taxonomic treatment is presented, including conservation assessments of its species. Our study also highlights the power of NGS technology to analyse relictual or probably extinct groups.
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