Linking Genomics and Biodiversity in Solanaceae
Author Information
Author(s): Sandra Knapp, Lynn Bohs, Michael Nee, David M. Spooner
Primary Institution: Natural History Museum, UK
Hypothesis
How can a common set of genes/proteins give rise to a wide range of morphologically and ecologically distinct organisms that occupy our planet?
Conclusion
The PBI: Solanum project aims to connect taxonomic information about wild species of Solanum with genomic data to enhance understanding of this important plant family.
Supporting Evidence
- The Solanaceae family includes important crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants.
- The last complete taxonomic treatment of the family was over a century ago.
- The PBI: Solanum project aims to provide a global species-level taxonomic treatment for Solanum.
Takeaway
Scientists are working to connect information about different plants in the Solanaceae family, like tomatoes and potatoes, with their genetic data to learn more about them.
Methodology
The project involves creating digital, Internet-available descriptive monographs for approximately 1500 species of Solanum.
Limitations
The project is still in its infancy and relies on the availability of descriptive resources.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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