Exploring factors shaping the evolution, diversification, and adaptation of selected Daphne (Thymelaeaceae) members to extreme environments

Eliška Krtilová ¹, Zuzana Gajdošová ², Andrea Melichárková ², Jaromír Kučera ², Zuzana Kolaříková ³, Radka Sudová ⁴, Jana Rýdlová ³, Roswitha Schmickl ⁵, Miroslav Caboň ², Marek Slovák ⁶

Department of Botany, Charles University, Faculty of Science, Prague, Czech Republic and Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia ¹, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia ², Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Pruhonice, Czechia ³, Department of Mycorrhizal Symbioses, Czech Academy of Sciences, Pruhonice, Czechia ⁴, Department of Botany, Charles University, Faculty of Science, Prague, Czech Republic ⁵, Department of Botany, Charles University, Faculty of Science, Prague, Czech Republic, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia ⁶

Rare and endemic species represent a vital component of global biodiversity. Despite extensive research into their systematic, evolutionary, and diversification dynamics, our understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms underlying their evolution, speciation, and long-term persistence remains incomplete. This study focuses on the woody vascular plant genus Daphne (Thymeleaceae), an ancient relictual lineage predominantly comprising species classified as endemic. These species are often characterized by highly restricted distribution ranges and an ability to thrive in environmentally extreme and inhospitable habitats, particularly on exposed rocky outcrops. Our research addresses two main themes: the evolutionary processes shaping selected rock dwelling Daphne species and the mechanisms driving their adaptation to rocky environment. We will investigate the role of interspecific gene flow as a potential source of genetic variability and its implications for the fitness and long-term persistence of endemic, in selected rock-dwelling species. We will also explores the interactions between selected Daphne species and their associated endobiont mycobiomes, with a focus on the potential role of root-associated fungal communities in maintaining fitness and ensuring the survival of rock-dwelling species. To achieve these objectives, the study employs an integrative approach, combining population genomics, metagenomics, morphological assessments, karyological investigations, and ecological analyses. This multi-approach methodology aims not only to enhance our understanding of the biology and ecology of selected Daphne species but also to contribute to our knowledge of how vascular plants evolve and adapt to challenging rocky environments. This work was supported by the Slovak Research and DevelopmentAgency (grant number APVV-22- 0365) and by the Slovak Academy of Sciences (VEGA no. 2/0098/22).

Main author career stage: PhD student

Contribution type: Talk

First choice session: 1. Systematics, phylogenetics, biogeography and evolution

Second choice session: 2. Ecology