The genus Vigna (Leguminosae) comprises about 150 species grouped into five subgenera. The present study aimed to improve the understanding of karyotype diversity and evolution in Vigna, using new and previously published data through different cytogenetic and DNA content approaches. In the Vigna subgenera, we observed a random distribution of rDNA patterns. The 35S rDNA varied in position, from terminal to proximal, and in number, ranging from one (V. aconitifolia, V. subg. Ceratotropis) to seven pairs (V. unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, V. subg. Vigna). On the other hand, the number of 5S rDNA was conserved (one or two pairs), except for V. radiata (V. subg. Ceratotropis), which had three pairs. Genome size was relatively conserved within the genus, ranging from 1C = 0.43 to 0.70 pg in V. oblongifolia and V. unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, respectively, both belonging to V. subg. Vigna. However, we observed a positive correlation between DNA content and the number of 35S rDNA sites. In addition, data from chromosome-specific BAC-FISH suggest that the ancestral 35S rDNA locus is conserved on chromosome 6 within Vigna. Considering the rapid diversification in the number and position of rDNA sites, such conservation is surprising and suggests that additional sites may have spread out from this ancestral locus.

• Klíčová slova
• Vigna, DNA content, FISH, Karyotype evolution, Molecular cytogenetics, rDNA sites,
• MeSH
• chromozomy rostlin genetika   MeSH
• DNA rostlinná genetika   MeSH
• Fabaceae genetika   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• genetická variace MeSH
• karyotyp MeSH
• ribozomální DNA genetika   MeSH
• vigna * genetika   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• DNA rostlinná MeSH
• ribozomální DNA MeSH

Genome size variation is a crucial aspect of plant evolution, influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Repetitive elements, which are fundamental components of genomic architecture, often play a role in genome expansion by selectively amplifying specific repeat motifs. This study focuses on Amomum, a genus in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), known for its 4.4-fold variation in genome size. Using a robust methodology involving PhyloNet reconstruction, RepeatExplorer clustering, and repeat similarity-based phylogenetic network construction, we investigated the repeatome composition, analyzed repeat dynamics, and identified potential hybridization events within the genus. Our analysis confirmed the presence of four major infrageneric clades (A-D) within Amomum, with clades A-C exclusively comprising diploid species (2n = 48) and clade D encompassing both diploid and tetraploid species (2n = 48 and 96). We observed an increase in the repeat content within the genus, ranging from 84% to 89%, compared to outgroup species with 75% of the repeatome. The SIRE lineage of the Ty1-Copia repeat superfamily was prevalent in most analyzed ingroup genomes. We identified significant difference in repeatome structure between the basal Amomum clades (A, B, C) and the most diverged clade D. Our investigation revealed evidence of ancient hybridization events within Amomum, coinciding with a substantial proliferation of multiple repeat groups. This finding supports the hypothesis that ancient hybridization is a driving force in the genomic evolution of Amomum. Furthermore, we contextualize our findings within the broader context of genome size variations and repeatome dynamics observed across major monocot lineages. This study enhances our understanding of evolutionary processes within monocots by highlighting the crucial roles of repetitive elements in shaping genome size and suggesting the mechanisms that drive these changes.

• Klíčová slova
• 5S rDNA, Zingiberaceae, genome evolution, genome size, interspecific hybridization, phylogeny, repeatome, repetitive DNA,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Genome size varies 2400-fold across plants, influencing their evolution through changes in cell size and cell division rates which impact plants' environmental stress tolerance. Repetitive element expansion explains much genome size diversity, and the processes structuring repeat 'communities' are analogous to those structuring ecological communities. However, which environmental stressors influence repeat community dynamics has not yet been examined from an ecological perspective. We measured genome size and leveraged climatic data for 91% of genera within the ecologically diverse palm family (Arecaceae). We then generated genomic repeat profiles for 141 palm species, and analysed repeats using phylogenetically informed linear models to explore relationships between repeat dynamics and environmental factors. We show that palm genome size and repeat 'community' composition are best explained by aridity. Specifically, Ty3-gypsy and TIR elements were more abundant in palm species from wetter environments, which generally had larger genomes, suggesting amplification. By contrast, Ty1-copia and LINE elements were more abundant in drier environments. Our results suggest that water stress inhibits repeat expansion through selection on upper genome size limits. However, elements that may associate with stress-response genes (e.g. Ty1-copia) have amplified in arid-adapted palm species. Overall, we provide novel evidence of climate influencing the assembly of repeat 'communities'.

• Klíčová slova
• Arecaceae (palms), adaptation, ecology, genome size, phylogenetic regression, plant evolution, trait evolution, transposable elements,
• MeSH
• Arecaceae * genetika   MeSH
• délka genomu MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• genom rostlinný MeSH
• molekulární evoluce MeSH
• retroelementy * MeSH
• sekvenční analýza DNA MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• retroelementy * MeSH