Format: ORAL

M. Eric Schranz1 and Nam V Hoang1

Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands,

Within both the Brassicaceae and its sister family the Cleomaceae, ancient whole genome triplications (WGT) are thought to have contributed to trait evolution. For example, the role of a WGT to morphological innovation of the Brassica vegetables. We have examined the contribution of independent WGT in Gynandropsis gynandra (Cleomaceae) and to high rates of photosynthetic assemiliation in Hirshfeldia incana (a close relative of Brassica crops). Namely, we have made chromosome-level assemblies of both species and then used a broad comparative genomics frameworks to analyze patterns of genome fractionation and particular gene retention patterns. By doing so, we esablish how these independent WGT events, of approximately the same age, have contributed to the evolution of the photosynthetic capacity of these two semi-desert/Medeterrian climate species.