The evolutionary history of pumpkins (Cucurbita) is peculiar, as they have experienced a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event around 30 Mya. This WGD event allowed pumpkins to evolve novel genomic elements, which likely increased the evolutionary potential (evolvability) of the genus. It is no coincidence that humans were able to domesticate this genus at least six independent times in five different species, displaying several morphological convergences as well as unique traits for each domesticated taxon. Thus, pumpkins serve as a great model to understand the influence of WGDs on the mode and tempo of genome evolution, as well as to understand the basic processes of plant domestication.
I worked on this project during my Ph.D., but I still engage in constant collaboration with my previous lab to uncover the secrets of pumpkin evolution.
I worked on this project during my Ph.D., but I still engage in constant collaboration with my previous lab to uncover the secrets of pumpkin evolution.
