Hybridization Project

Project

Hybridization and introgression in the complex Phlomis x composita s. l.: biosystematic and evolutionary inferences
BOS2000-0450
Financed by: DGI
Principal Investigator: Abelardo Aparicio
Co-investigators: S. Silvestre & F. García-Martín

     The aim in this study is to investigate the hybridization between the species of Phlomis with yellow flowers in Spain. Hybrid taxa have been described since early 20th century, but hybridization was never confirmed. We intend to empirically confirm the existence of hybridization in this group as well as to assess the parental taxa involved at geographic scale, and to evaluate extent of introgression and reproductive isolation. Overall, we intend to asses whether hybridization is involved in the speciation process in this homoploid Mediterranean group and shed some light in its complex systematics. Conservation action plans implications could also be an interesting outcome of the project in preserved areas.

We intend to study: 
     1. the ecology of the communities where Phlomis plants develop, 
     2. to undertake a morphometric study to identify "diagnostic" or "useful" characters within the hybrid array, 
     3. search of genetic markers (isozyme polymorphisms) to analyse the hybridization and extent of introgression, and 
     4. study the existence of reproductive isolation and backcrossing.

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