Dr. Edeline Gagnon
Assistant Professor, University of Guelph, Department of Integrative Biology
PI: Prof. Sasa Stefanovic
12 to 1 PM
IB 140 & Zoom
Title
Abstract
Solanum L. is one of the largest and most economically important plant genera, comprising approximately 1,245 species, including three major crop and c. 21 minor crop species. Agriculture has long benefited from the morphological diversity of Solanum, particularly through the exploitation of tubers (potatoes) and fruits (tomatoes, eggplants, and several minor crops). Here, I present recent advances in understanding the phylogenomic relationships within this clade, along with efforts to extract both quantitative and qualitative traits from taxonomic monographs. These studies enable us to assess the extent to which environmental factors shape the distribution and evolution of key traits, such as underground organs, spines, as well as fruit traits. I also will discuss how this research can be used in collaborations with the genomics and plant breeding communities, particularly in exploring the genetic basis underlying the evolution of agronomically significant traits.