Abstract
Morphological variations of fruits such as shape and size, and color are a result of adaptive evolution. The evolution of morphological novelties is particularly intriguing. An understanding of these evolutionary processes calls for the elucidation of the developmental and genetic mechanisms that result in particular fruit morphological characteristics, which determine seed dispersal. The genetic and developmental basis for fruit morphological variation was established at a microevolutionary time scale. Here, we summarize the progress on the evolutionary developmental genetics of fruit size, shape and color in the Solanaceae. Studies suggest that the recruitment of a pre-existing gene and subsequent modification of its interaction and regulatory networks are frequently involved in the evolution of morphological diversity. The basic mechanisms underlying changes in plant morphology are alterations in gene expression and/or gene function. We also deliberate on the future direction in evolutionary developmental genetics of fruit morphological variation such as fruit type. These studies will provide insights into plant developmental processes and will help to improve the productivity and fruit quality of crops.
Highlights
Diversification of plant morphology occurred during evolution as a result of plant adaptation to changes in the environment
Multiple QTLs and/or genes regulating fruit size and shape are well-characterized in the Solanaceae (Table 1)
FW2.2 does not play a significant role in controlling fruit size variations between wild and cultivated peppers because pepper fruit has little placental
Summary
Diversification of plant morphology occurred during evolution as a result of plant adaptation to changes in the environment. The Solanaceae family contains many model species for the study of plant developmental processes, including tomato, potato (Solanum tuberosum), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and Petunia hybrida. This plant family has served as a model for linking genomics and biodiversity (Knapp et al, 2004). The Solanaceous fruits exhibit considerable morphological diversity (Knapp, 2002), including size, shape, and color, both within and between different species (Figure 1). How do such morphological variations arise, and what are the underlying genetic bases? We summarize the known genetic control of Solanaceous fruit morphological variations, highlight the general mechanisms involved in the evolution of plant morphology, and discuss the future direction
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