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Prunus tongmuensis, a new species of cherry blossom, is described and illustrated from Wuyishan National Park, southeast China. This species is characterized by its tubular to nearly bottle-shaped receptacles and dark purple drupes. It can be distinguished from other wild cherry trees by its flowers and leaves, reddish brown young leaves, presence of 1-2 glands at the base of leaves, petioles densely covered with yellowish brown villi, longer pedicels (0.6-2.5 cm), villous pistil, and dark purple drupes. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive morphological study based on specimens of the new species and its morphologically close species, field observations, and examination of pollen morphology. In addition, our phylogenetic analysis based on the complete plastid genome sequences further confirms the status of the new species and indicates that it is closely related to Prunus clarofolia, however, it notably differs in leaf shape, size, petiole villus color, gland location, timing of flower and leaf openings, and reflexed or spread sepals, as well as drupe color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geum japonicum (Rosaceae) has been widely used in China as a traditional herbal medicine due to its high economic and medicinal value. However, the appearance of Geum species is relatively similar, making identification difficult by conventional phenotypic methods, and the studies of genomics and species evolution are lacking. To better distinguish the medicinal varieties and fill this gap, we carried out relevant research on the chloroplast genome of G. japonicum. Results show a typical quadripartite structure of the chloroplast genome of G. japonicum with a length of 156,042 bp. There are totally 131 unique genes in the genome, including 87 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes, and there were also 87 SSRs identified and mostly mononucleotide Adenine-Thymine. We next compared the plastid genomes among four Geum species and obtained 14 hypervariable regions, including ndhF, psbE, trnG-UCC, ccsA, trnQ-UUG, rps16, psbK, trnL-UAA, ycf1, ndhD, atpA, petN, rps14, and trnK-UUU. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that G. japonicum is most closely related to Geum aleppicum, and possibly has some evolutionary relatedness with an ancient relic plant Taihangia rupestris. This research enriched the genome resources and provided fundamental insights for evolutionary studies and the phylogeny of Geum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prunus pedunculata (Prunoideae: Rosaceae), a relic shrub with strong resistance and multiple application values, is endangered in China. Extensive research had been devoted to gene expression, molecular markers, plastid genome analysis, and genetic background investigations of P. pedunculata. However, the mitochondrial genome of this species has not been systematically described, owing to the complexity of the plant mitogenome. Methods: In the present research, the complete mitochondrial genome of P. pedunculata was assembled, annotated, and characterized. The genomic features, gene content and repetitive sequences were analyzed. The genomic variation and phylogenetic analysis have been extensively enumerated. Results and discussion: The P. pedunculata mitogenome is a circular molecule with a total length of 405,855 bp and a GC content of 45.63%, which are the smallest size and highest GC content among the known Prunus mitochondrial genomes. The mitogenome of P. pedunculata encodes 62 genes, including 34 unique protein-coding genes (PCGs, excluding three possible pseudogenes), three ribosomal RNA genes, and 19 transfer RNA genes. The mitogenome is rich in repetitive sequences, counting 112 simple sequence repeats, 15 tandem repeats, and 50 interspersed repetitive sequences, with a total repeat length of 11,793 bp, accounting for 2.91% of the complete genome. Leucine (Leu) was a predominant amino acid in PCGs, with a frequency of 10.67%, whereas cysteine (Cys) and tryptophan (Trp) were the least adopted. The most frequently used codon was UUU (Phe), with a relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) value of 1.12. Selective pressure was calculated based on 20 shared PCGs in the mitogenomes of the 32 species, most of which were subjected to purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1), whereas ccmC and ccmFn underwent positive selection. A total of 262 potential RNA editing sites in 26 PCGs were identified. Furthermore, 56 chloroplast-derived fragments were ascertained in the mitogenome, ranging from 30 to 858 bp, and were mainly located across IGS (intergenic spacer) regions or rRNA genes. These findings verify the occurrence of intracellular gene transfer events from the chloroplast to the mitochondria. Furthermore, the phylogenetic relationship of P. pedunculata was supported by the mitogenome data of 30 other taxa of the Rosaceae family. Understanding the mitochondrial genome characteristics of P. pedunculata is of great importance to promote comprehension of its genetic background and this study provides a basis for the genetic breeding of Prunus [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubus chingii Hu 1925 is an important medicinal vine shrub in the Rosaceae family, widely distributed in China and Japan. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of R. chingii was sequenced and identified. The chloroplast genome was 155,563 bp in size with a total GC content of 37.06%. Two 25,749-bp inverted repeat (IRA and IRB) regions divided the genome as four sections, with the remainder forming a large single-copy (LSC, 85,322 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC, 18,743 bp) regions. This genome contained a total of 131 genes, of which 86 were protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis showed that R. chingii, along with several other R. longisepalus, R. tsangii, R. hirsutus, R. taiwanicola, R. rubroangustifolius, and R. glandulosopunctatus, formed the monophylic group. Interestingly, the chloroplast genome structure we reported was different from the previously reported structure and provided richer phylogenetic analysis information in the Rubus genus compared to previous studies. The genome information reported in this paper will provide some useful information for further investigation on the evolution of the family Rosaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production and quality of apricots in China is currently limited by the availability of germplasm resource characterizations, including identification at the species and cultivar level. To help address this issue, the complete chloroplast genomes of Prunus armeniaca L., P. sibirica L. and kernel consumption apricot were sequenced, characterized, and phylogenetically analyzed. The three chloroplast (cp) genomes ranged from 157,951 to 158,224 bp, and 131 genes were identified, including 86 protein-coding genes, 37 rRNAs, and 8 tRNAs. The GC content ranged from 36.70% to 36.75%. Of the 170 repetitive sequences detected, 42 were shared by all three species, and 53–57 simple sequence repeats were detected with AT base preferences. Comparative genomic analysis revealed high similarity in overall structure and gene content as well as seven variation hotspot regions, including psbA-trnK-UUU, rpoC1-rpoB, rpl32-trnL-UAG, trnK-rps16, ndhG-ndhI, ccsA-ndhD, and ndhF-trnL. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the three apricot species clustered into one group, and the genetic relationship between P. armeniaca and kernel consumption apricot was the closest. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for further research on the genetic diversity of apricots and the development and utilization of molecular markers for the genetic engineering and breeding of apricots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geum longifolium (Maxim.) Smedmark 2006 belongs to the family Rosaceae, subfamily Rosoideae, tribe Colurieae. Geum longifolium is endemic to China and its whole herb is used in Chinese medicine. Here, the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome of G. longifolium was assembled and annotated based on genome skimming, and its phylogenetic position was investigated using phylogenomic evidence. The cp genome size of G. longifolium was 155,884 bp with the total GC content of 36.7%. Its cp genome presented a typical tetrad structure, composed of a large single copy (LSC) region (85,338 bp), a small single copy (SSC) region (18,358 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (26,094 bp). The cp genome encoded 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that G. longifolium was sister to G. elatum Wall. ex G.Don 1832 in current taxa sampling. This study can enrich the chloroplast genomic resource of Geum and lay the foundation for future phylogenetic studies on Geum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubus irritans Focke is a type of tonifying kidney-essence herb used in China. We present the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of R. irritans, a member of the genus Rubus. The complete cp genome of R. irritans was 155,286 bp long and consisted of an 84,613 bp long large single-copy (LSC) region, an 18,697 bp long SSC region, and a pair of 25,988 bp long inverted repeats (IR). Furthermore, the plastid genome contained 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the genome was 37.29%. Based on the complete cp genome, phylogenetic analysis revealed that R. irritans is closely related to R. amabilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sorbus sensu stricto (Sorbus s.s.) is a genus with important economical values because of its beautiful leaves, and flowers and especially the colorful fruits. It belongs to the tribe Maleae of the family Rosaceae, and comprises about 90 species mainly distributed in China. There is on-going dispute about its infrageneric classification and species delimitation as the species are morphologically similar. With the aim of shedding light on the circumscription of taxa within the genus, phylogenetic analyses were performed using 29 Sorbus s.s. chloroplast (cp) genomes (16 newly sequenced) representing two subgenera and eight sections. Results: The 16 cp genomes newly sequenced range between 159,646 bp and 160,178 bp in length. All the samples examined and 22 taxa re-annotated in Sorbus sensu lato (Sorbus s.l.) contain 113 unique genes with 19 of these duplicated in the inverted repeat (IR). Six hypervariable regions including trnR-atpA, petN-psbM, rpl32-trnL, trnH-psbA, trnT-trnL and ndhC-trnV were screened and 44–53 SSRs and 14–31 dispersed repeats were identified as potential molecular markers. Phylogenetic analyses under ML/BI indicated that Sorbus s.l. is polyphyletic, but Sorbus s.s. and the other five segregate genera, Aria, Chamaemespilus, Cormus, Micromeles and Torminalis are monophyletic. Two major clades and four sub-clades resolved with full-support within Sorbus s.s. are not consistent with the existing infrageneric classification. Two subgenera, subg. Sorbus and subg. Albocarmesinae are supported as monophyletic when S. tianschanica is transferred to subg. Albocarmesinae from subg. Sorbus and S. hupehensis var. paucijuga transferred to subg. Sorbus from subg. Albocarmesinae, respectively. The current classification at sectional level is not supported by analysis of cp genome phylogeny. Conclusion: Phylogenomic analyses of the cp genomes are useful for inferring phylogenetic relationships in Sorbus s.s. Though genome structure is highly conserved in the genus, hypervariable regions and repeat sequences used are the most promising molecule makers for population genetics, species delimitation and phylogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Rosa murielae Rehder & Wilson, is illustrated. Its history, distribution in western China and relationships are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Prunus mume (Siebold) Siebold & Zucc., a beautiful winter flowering tree with exquisite, scented flowers foretelling the arrival of spring, is illustrated; its introduction, horticultural merits and cultivation are discussed. It is native to southwest China and widely cultivated across East Asia both for its value as an ornamental tree and for its edible fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, four new species of Phragmidium were proposed based on morphological and molecular characters. In morphology, Phragmidium rosae-roxburghii sp. nov. was distinguished to related taxa by its unique square to diamond-shaped urediniospores; Ph. rubi-coreani sp. nov. differed from Ph. barclayi and Ph. cibanum because of teliospores with fewer cells and shorter pedicels; urediniospores of Ph. potentillaefreynianae sp. nov. were bigger than Ph. duchesneae-indica; and Ph. rosae-laevigatae sp. nov. produced bigger urediniospores than Ph. jiangxiense. The phylogenetic analyses based on the combination of two loci (ITS and LSU) also supported our morphological conclusion. In the meantime, three previously known species were also described herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) are widely distributed and famous for their edible and medicinal values. There are ~18 species and seven varieties of hawthorn in China distributed throughout the country. We now report the chloroplast genome sequences from C. scabrifolia, C. chungtienensis and C. oresbia, from the southwest of China and compare them with the previously released six species in Crataegus and four species in Rosaceae. The chloroplast genome structure of Crataegus is typical and can be divided into four parts. The genome sizes are between 159,654 and 159,898bp. The three newly sequenced chloroplast genomes encode 132 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Comparative analysis of the chloroplast genomes revealed six divergent hotspot regions, including ndhA, rps16-trnQ-UUG, ndhF-rpl32, rps16-psbK, trnR-UCU-atpA and rpl32-trnL-UAG. According to the correlation and cooccurrence analysis of repeats with indels and SNPs, the relationship between them cannot be ignored. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on the complete chloroplast genome and intergenic region sequences indicated that C. scabrifolia has a different origin from C. chungtienensis and C. oresbia. We support the placement of C. hupehensis, C. cuneata, C. scabrifolia in C. subg. Crataegus and C. kansuensis, C. oresbia, C. kansuensis in C. subg. Sanguineae. In addition, based on the morphology, geographic distribution and phylogenetic relationships of C. chungtienensis and C. oresbia, we speculate that these two species may be the same species. In conclusion, this study has enriched the chloroplast genome resources of Crataegus and provided valuable information for the phylogeny and species identification of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four Sorbus taxa endemic to China, S. arguta, S. guanxianensis, S. megalocarpa var. megalocarpa and S. megalocarpa var. cuneata, are morphologically similar to one another in having large brown fruits with persistent calyx and dense lenticels. In literature, either all of the four taxa were accepted, or two of them, S. arguta and S. megalocarpa var. cuneata, were treated as synonyms of S. megalocarpa var. megalocarpa, or S. guanxianensis alone was dubious. In this study, based on morphological comparison, S. arguta is reinstated for its relatively small inflorescence, small fruit and timing of flowering after leaves are unfolded. S. megalocarpa var. cuneata is confirmed as a synonym and S. guanxianensis is proposed as a new heterotypic synonym of S. megalocarpa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved taxonomies and phylogenies are essential for understanding the evolution of organisms, the development of conservation plans, and the allocation of funds and resources, especially for threatened species with uncertain identities. Pears are an economically and nutritionally important fruit, and wild pear species are highly valued and protected because of their utility for the development of cultivars. Pyrus hopeiensis is an endangered species endemic to North China, which is sympatric with and difficult to distinguish from the widely distributed and morphologically similar species P. ussuriensis. To clarify its taxonomic identity, principal coordinate analysis was performed using 14 quantitative and qualitative characters from P. hopeiensis, P. ussuriensis, and P. phaeocarpa, and phylogenomic analysis was performed based on whole-genome resequencing and whole plastome data. Pyrus hopeiensis was synonymized with P. ussuriensis based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, as well as our long-term field studies. Pyrus hopeiensis is proposed to be excluded from the list of local key protected wild plants. Given that the holotype of P. ussuriensis was not designated, a lectotype was designated in this work. Integrative evidence-based taxonomic study including museomics is suggested for organisms with uncertain identities, which will contribute to biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crataegus bretschneideri has been considered a variety of Crataegus pinnatifida, but has also been proposed as a separate species. We used ITS and three cpDNA sequence fragments (psbA‐trnH, trnG‐trnS, trnH‐trnK) to perform maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference and neighbor‐joining molecular phylogenetic analysis on 108 individuals of 19 hawthorn (Crataegus) species and 4 outgroups (Malus). The ITS, cpDNA and cpDNA‐ITS molecular phylogenetic trees constructed using 4 methods had similar consistency. In the cpDNA‐ITS tree, C. bretschneideri was resolved as an independent clade separated from Crataegus maximowiczii and C. pinnatifida. In the ITS (biparental inheritance) tree, C. bretschneideri and C. pinnatifida were resolved as closely related and only distantly related to C. maximowiczii. In contrast, the cpDNA (maternal inheritance) tree indicated that C. bretschneideri is closely related to C. maximowiczii but distantly related to C. pinnatifida. In total, 15 chloroplast haplotypes were revealed in the 108 Crataegus individuals, as determined by DNASP analysis. Of these, C. bretschneideri and C. maximowiczii share the same chloroplast haplotype, H1, while C. pinnatifida contains three haplotypes, H13–H15. Taken together with previous results, we confirm that C. bretschneideri is not a variety of C. pinnatifida, but a separate species that gradually developed from natural hybrid offspring in mixed forest areas with C. maximowiczii as the female parent and C. pinnatifida as the male parent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original specimens of both Prunus zappeyana and P. zappeyana var. subsimplex were found to belong to more than one taxon. In addition, P. zappeyana var. subsimplex was found to be invalid because, when the name was published, two separate descriptions were given to two cited collections, but not to the taxon, making the name unaccompanied with a description or diagnosis of this taxon (Art. 38.1 (a)). Therefore, a lectotype of P. zappeyana was designated under Art. 9.11 of ICN, by which P. zappeyana was placed in the synonymy of P. veitchii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosa rugosa Thunb. has been explored multi-function in medicinal, edible, cosmetic, ornamental and ecological etc. However, R. rugosa natural populations have recently declined substantially in China, besides of global climate change, this species also has the defect of limiting the reproduction of itself such as the hard-to-release seed dormancy. In this study, only 30% of R. rugosa seeds were viable, and the others were incompletely developed or diseased seeds. Without stratification, morphologically complete viable seeds imbibed water but those seeds could not germinate even after seed husk removal under suitable condition to exhibit a physiological dormancy. After cold (4°C) and warm (18 ± 2°C) stratification, macromolecular substances containing carbon or nitrogen accumulated, and respiration, antioxidant enzyme activity, and gibberellin (GA3) /abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin (IAA)/ABA ratios increased significantly in seeds. Water absorption also increased as endocarps softened. Thus, physiological dormancy of seed was broken. Although warm and cold stratification increased separation between endocarp and embryo, the endocarp binding force was removed insufficiently, because only 10.20% of seeds germinated. Therefore, stratified seeds were treated with simulated bird digestion. Then, folds and cracks in loosened endocarps increased permeability, and water absorption rate increased to 64.43% compare to 21.14% in cold and warm stratification treatment. With simulated digestion, 24.20% of radicles broke through the endocarp with plumules and cambiums to develop into seedlings. Thus, the seed dormancy type of R. rugosa is physiological as seeds imbibed water and possessed fully developed embryos with a low growth potential in combination with a mechanical constraint from the endocarp. Cold stratification helped remove physiological dormancy, and additional warm stratification accelerated the process. The optimal stratification treatment was 4°C for 45 days followed by 18 ± 2°C for 15 days. After warm and cold stratification, simulated bird digestion broke the mechanical constraint from the seed covering layers. Based on this research, production of R. rugosa seedlings can be greatly increased to help protect the species from further declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rubus is the largest genus of the family Rosaceae and is valued as medicinal, edible, and ornamental plants. Here, we sequenced and assembled eight chloroplast (cp) genomes of Rubus from the Dabie Mountains in Central China. Fifty-one Rubus species were comparatively analyzed for the cp genomes including the eight newly discovered genomes and forty-three previously reported in GenBank database (NCBI). Results: The eight newly obtained cp genomes had the same quadripartite structure as the other cp genomes in Rubus. The length of the eight plastomes ranged from 155,546 bp to 156,321 bp with similar GC content (37.0 to 37.3%). The results indicated 133–134 genes were annotated for the Rubus plastomes, which contained 88 or 89 protein coding genes (PCGs), 37 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and eight ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). Among them, 16 (or 18) of the genes were duplicated in the IR region. Structural comparative analysis results showed that the gene content and order were relatively preserved. Nucleotide variability analysis identified nine hotspot regions for genomic divergence and multiple simple sequences repeats (SSRs), which may be used as markers for genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic relationships were highly supported within the family Rosaceae, as evidenced by sub-clade taxa cp genome sequences. Conclusion: Thus, the whole plastome may be used as a super-marker in phylogenetic studies of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simple-leaved taxa of Sorbus in China(24 species)include Sorbus sect. Aria and Sorbus sect. Micromeles. Some taxonomists divided it into two genera(Aria and Micromeles)or merged into one genus(Aria). Because of the high similarity of inflorescence and fruit, the taxonomic status has been controversial. However, the taxonomic value of leaf venation characteristics of simple-leaved taxa of Sorbus was still unclear. Therefore, 13 species of sect. Micromeles and 7 species of sect. Aria in China were investigated in this study. Cleaning specimen preparation was adopted for the leaf venation characteristics observation. The principal component analysis and cluster analysis were carried out based on leaf venation characteristics mainly and partial leaf characters. The results were as follows:(1)The simple-leaved taxa of Sorbus had identical vein framework, the veins of all samples were pinnate, the present condition of areolation was moderate developed, the frequency of intersecondary was less than one per intercostal in all species.(2)There were some differences among different species in major secondary vein framework and numbers, present minor secondary veins or not, major secondary angle to midvein, intercostal tertiary vein fabric, branches of freely ending veinlets, serrate type, laminar size, etc.(3)There were great similarities and multiple venation characteristics crossed between the sect. Aria and sect. Micromeles. For example, major secondary vein framework, laminar size, branching of freely ending veinlets etc. The result of systematic clustering based on leaf venation characteristics did not support the division of the sect. Aria and the sect. Micromeles. The results indicate that the leaf venation characteristics can not be used as the evidence to divide the sect. Aria and the sect. Micromeles into two groups, however, the leaf venation characteristics can be used as the evidence for classification of some simple-leaved taxa of Sorbus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese quince (Chaenomeles sinensis) fruit is an underutilized resource, rich in proanthocyanidins with antioxidant ability but poor lipid solubility. In this study, a novel modified oligomeric proanthocyanidin (MOPA) was prepared, which exhibited favorable lipid solubility (354.52 mg/100 g). It showed higher radical scavenging abilities than commercial antioxidant-BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), both at 0.4-0.5 mg/mL. The addition of MOPA (0.04 %wt.) significantly increased the oxidative stability index of the soybean oil from 5.52 to 8.03 h, which was slightly lower than that of BHA (8.35 h). Analysis of the physicochemical properties and composition of oil during deep-frying showed that MOPA demonstrated significant antioxidant effects and effectively restricted the oil oxidation. This inhibition also delays the formation of heterocyclic amines (HAs) in fried food, thereby reducing the migration of HAs from food to deep-frying oil. Therefore, MOPA is a promising novel liposoluble antioxidant for protecting the quality of deep-frying oil., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Species identification is vital for protecting species diversity and selecting high-quality germplasm resources. Wild Fragaria spp. comprise rich and excellent germplasm resources; however, the variation and evolution of the whole chloroplast (cp) genomes in the genus Fragaria have been ignored. In the present study, 27 complete chloroplast genomes of 11 wild Fragaria species were sequenced using the Illumina platform. Then, the variation among complete cp genomes of Fragaria was analyzed, and phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed from those genome sequences. There was an overall high similarity of sequences, with some divergence. According to analysis with mVISTA, non-coding regions were more variable than coding regions. Inverted repeats (IRs) were observed to contract or expand to different degrees, which resulted in different sizes of cp genomes. Additionally, five variable loci, trnS - trnG , trnR - atpA , trnC - petN , rbcL - accD , and psbE - petL , were identified that could be used to develop DNA barcoding for identification of Fragaria species. Phylogenetic analyses based on the whole cp genomes supported clustering all species into two groups (A and B). Group A species were mainly distributed in western China, while group B contained several species from Europe and Americas. These results support allopolyploid origins of the octoploid species F. chiloensis and F. virginiana and the tetraploid species F. moupinensis and F. tibetica. The complete cp genomes of these Fragaria spp. provide valuable information for selecting high-quality Fragaria germplasm resources in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Rosa gigantea Collett ex Crépin, is illustrated. Its history in cultivation and distribution in China and the Himalaya are discussed. It is one of the most heat‐tolerant of roses, and already the parent of hybrids suitable for warm climates; if global temperatures rise, its progeny will become even more valuable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meligethes are pollen-beetles associated with flowers of Rosaceae as larvae. This genus currently consists of 63 known species in two subgenera, Meligethes and Odonthogethes, predominantly occurring in the eastern Palaearctic. We analyzed 74 morphological and ecological characters (169 states) of all species, as well as of 11 outgroup species from 7 Meligethinae genera (including Brassicogethes), to investigate their phylogeny. We also conducted a parallel molecular analysis on 9 Meligethes, 9 Odonthogethes, 3 Brassicogethes and 2 Meligethinus species based on DNA sequence data from mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and nuclear (CAD) genes. Results: Morphological phylogenetic reconstructions supported the monophyly of the whole genus and clades corresponding to purported subgenera Meligethes s.str. and Odonthogethes. Main species-groups were mostly confirmed, however some unresolved polytomies remained. Molecular data placed members of Brassicogethes (including 42 mostly W Palearctic species associated with Brassicaceae) as sister to Odonthogethes, with this clade being sister to Meligethes s.str. This phylogenetic scenario suggests that monophyletic Meligethes s.str., Odonthogethes and Brassicogethes should be regarded alternatively as three subgenera of a monophyletic Meligethes, or three genera in a monophyletic genus-complex, with mutually monophyletic Brassicogethes and Odonthogethes. Molecular analyses estimated the origin of this lineage at ca. 14–15 Mya from a common stem including Meligethinus. Conclusions: We hypothesize that the ancestor of Meligethes specialized on Rosaceae in the Middle Miocene (likely in Langhian Age) and subsequently radiated during Late Miocene and Plio-Pleistocene maintaining a trophic niche on this plant family. This radiation was primarily due to geographic isolation in E Asiatic mountain systems. Combined evidence from morphology, ancestral state parsimony reconstruction of host-plant associations and molecular evidence suggested that Rosoideae (Rosa spp.) represented the ancestral hosts of Meligethes s.str., followed by an independent shift of ancestral Odonthogethes (ca. 9–15 Mya) on Rubus (Rosoideae) and members of Rosaceae Spiraeoideae. Other ancestral Odonthogethes probably shifted again on the unrelated plant family Brassicaceae (maybe 8–14 Mya in S China), allowing a rapid westward radiation of the Brassicogethes clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the arid shrub Amygdalus pedunculata to better understand biogeographic histories and the impact of climate fluctuations during the Quaternary in shaping genetic variation and in northwest China. Three chloroplast DNA intergenic spacers (psbK‐psbI, trnL‐trnF and trnV) were sequenced in 129 individuals from 10 populations across the range of A. pedunculata, and 17 haplotypes were identified, with one haplotype that was distributed across all sampled populations. High levels of total gene diversity (HT = 0.965) and within‐population diversity (HS = 0.669) were identified. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most genetic variation occurred within populations. Neutrality tests and mismatch distribution analysis suggested past range expansions of A. pedunculata. As such, A. pedunculata has likely undergone a substantial postglacial range expansion northward and southward along the margins of the northern Yin Mountains and Mu Us Desert, respectively. Principal coordinate analyses, median‐joining network analysis and Beast analysis revealed that 17 haplotypes mainly formed three clusters, corresponding to the Northern (Damao Banner) and Central (Wula Mountains and Guyang County) regions of Inner Mongolia and the Southern region (Bulang Township) in northern Shannxi. The local adaptative differentiation is speculated to have occurred among the three regions mainly resulting from geographical isolation caused by the uplift and extension of the Yinshan Mountains during the Quaternary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dwarf rootstocks have important practical significance for high-density planting in pear orchards. The shoots of 'Cuiguan' grafted onto the dwarf rootstock were shorter than those grafted onto the vigorous rootstock. However, the mechanism of shorter shoot formation is not clear., Results: In this study, the current-year shoot transcriptomes and phytohormone contents of 'CG‒QA' ('Cuiguan' was grafted onto 'Quince A', and 'Hardy' was used as interstock) and 'CG‒DL' ('Cuiguan' was grafted onto 'Duli', and 'Hardy' was used as interstock) were compared. The transcriptome results showed that a total of 452 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 248 downregulated genes and 204 upregulated genes; the plant hormone signal transduction and zeatin biosynthesis pathways were significantly enriched in the top 20 KEGG enrichment terms. Abscisic acid (ABA) was the most abundant hormone in 'CG‒QA' and 'CG‒DL'; auxin and cytokinin (CTK) were the most diverse hormones; additionally, the contents of ABA, auxin, and CTK in 'CG‒DL' were higher than those in 'CG‒QA', while the fresh shoot of 'CG‒QA' accumulated more gibberellin (GA) and salicylic acid (SA). Metabolome and transcriptome co-analysis identified three key hormone-related DEGs, of which two (Aldehyde dehydrogenase gene ALDH3F1 and YUCCA2) were upregulated and one (Cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase gene CKX3) was downregulated., Conclusions: Based on the results of transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis, we found that auxin and CTK mainly regulated the shoot differences of 'CG-QA' and 'CG-DL', and other hormones such as ABA, GA, and SA synergistically regulated this process. Three hormone-related genes ALDH3F1, YUCCA2, and CKX3 were the key genes contributing to the difference in shoot growth between 'CG-QA' and 'CG-DL' pear. This research provides new insight into the molecular mechanism underlying shoot shortening after grafted onto dwarf rootstocks., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Prunus clarofolia (Schneid.) Yu et Li is a very attractive wild flowering cherry endemic to China. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of P. clarofolia was assembled. The total length of the chloroplast genome was 157,899 bp, containing a pair of inverted repeat regions of 26,393 bp each, separated by a small single-copy region of 19,142 bp, and a large single-copy region of 85,971 bp. The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome was 36.71%. The genome contained 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, eight rRNA genes, and one pseudogene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. clarofolia and P. pseudocerasus showed the closest relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crataegus bretschneideri Schneid., with an unclear phylogenic position, is mainly distributed in northeast and inner mongolia area of China. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of C. bretschneideri was determined by using Illumina high-throughput sequencing method. The chloroplast genome was 159,607 bp in length and consisted of a large single-copy (LSC) region (87,601 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (19,312 bp), separated by a pair of inverted repeat (IRs: 26,347 bp, each) regions. It comprised a total of 114 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete chloroplast genomes indicated that C. bretschneideri was closely related to C. marshallii Eggl in the subfamily Maloideae. This complete chloroplast genome will provide valuable insight into evolution, molecular breeding, and phylogenetic analysis of Crataegus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbus harrowiana (≡Pyrus harrowiana), previously considered a synonym of Sorbus insignis (≡Pyrus insignis) in the Flora of China, is re-instated here and shown to be distinct from S. insignis, based on morphometric analysis, coupled with herbarium and field investigation. We also present for the first-time full descriptions, distributional records and notes for S. harrowiana and S. insignis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerasus serrulata (Rosaceae) is an important flowering cherry resource which is valuable for developing new cultivars of flowering cherries. It is broadly distributed and possesses abundant variations. In this study, phylogeographic analysis was conducted to reveal the evolutionary history to better understand the genetic diversity and genetic structure of C. serrulata so as to provide more accurate molecular insights into better conservation and utilization of the germplasm resources. A total of 327 individuals from 18 wild populations were collected. Three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments (matK, trnD‐E, and trnS‐G) and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were utilized. The results showed a high genetic diversity at both species level and population level of C. serrulata. High genetic differentiation and the existence of the phylogeographic structure were detected. No significant expansion events were discovered. Two geographic lineages were inferred. One was confined to the Qinling Mountains and the Taihang Mountains. The other was from the Wuling Mountains to the Jiangnan Hilly Regions and then went northeast to the coast of Asia. In addition, some taxonomic treatments of the C. serrulata complex are discussed and reconsidered. Conservation and utilization strategies of wild C. serrulata germplasm resources were recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geum sunhangii - first discovered in Shennongjia National Nature Reserve, Hubei Province, China - is described as a new species of Rosaceae. Compared to all known Chinese Geum species, the new species differs by possessing jointed styles, imbricate petals and a reniform radical leaf terminal leaflet. Most significantly, the jointed style is curved at an obtuse or a right angle. In addition, the inclusion of this species within the genus Geum was supported by phylogenetic analysis using the sequence data of a nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and a chloroplast trnL-trnF intergenic spacer. The new species was found to be closely related to G. rivale and G. aleppicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythroneura sudra is a leafhopper occurring in northern China, which causes significant damage to fruit. The relationships between E. sudra and five fruit tree species (Rosaceae) were studied for 3 yr. The highest relative density of E. sudra was recorded on leaves of Amygdalus persica L. and Cerasus pseudocerasus Lindl. Likewise, it had the highest survival rate and shortest developmental time when it fed on these two plants species, indicating that they were the most preferred by E. sudra than the other plant species. The relative density and growth performance of E. sudra were negatively correlated with the levels of tannins and flavonoids in the leaves of the host species. Both plant species had relatively lower flavonoids and tannins, and this may have contributed to the enhanced survival and population growth of E. sudra. These results can guide the development of improved management strategies for this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytospora canker is a destructive disease of numerous hosts and causes serious economic losses with a worldwide distribution. Identification of Cytospora species is difficult due to insufficient phylogenetic understanding and overlapped morphological characteristics. In this study, we provide an assessment of 23 Cytospora spp., which covered nine genera of Rosaceae, and focus on 13 species associated with symptomatic branch or twig canker and dieback disease in China. Through morphological observation and multilocus phylogeny of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large nuclear ribosomal RNA subunit (LSU), actin (act), RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2), translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1- α), and beta-tubulin (tub2) gene regions, the results indicate 13 distinct lineages with high branch support. These include 10 new Cytospora species, i.e., C. cinnamomea , C. cotoneastricola , C. mali-spectabilis , C. ochracea , C. olivacea , C. pruni-mume , C. rosicola , C. sorbina , C. tibetensis , and C. xinjiangensis and three known taxa including Cytospora erumpens , C. leucostoma , and C. parasitica. This study provides an initial understanding of the taxonomy of Cytospora associated with canker and dieback disease of Rosaceae in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kuehneola japonica and K. warburgiana are the only species of genus Kuehneola that parasitize plants belonging to genus Rosa (Rosaceae). Systematic revision of the genus Phragmidium and related genera by molecular phylogenetic analyses using nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (5.8S-ITS2 = ITS2) and nuc rDNA 28S (28S) sequences indicated that K. japonica and K. warburgiana belong to a group of Phragmidium species that also occur on Rosa. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that these Kuehneola species were transferred to Phragmidium and renamed as P. japonicum and P. warburgianum. Two new Phragmidium species were also discovered on Rosa from China that could be distinguished from other species in the genus based on aeciospore or urediniospore morphology and phylogenetic placement. The first species, P. jiangxiense, is characterized by a urediniospore surface structure with stout spines that are basally embedded in the wrinkled spore wall. The second species, P. leucoaecium, is characterized by an aeciospore surface structure with irregularly elongated verrucae. Taxonomic descriptions and illustrations are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of flowers in the administration of diseases, as nicely as provision of raw substances for the pharmaceutical industries ought to now not be over emphasized. Crataegus species are section of the necessary plant family Rosaceae. Members of the genus have been famous for their lengthy time period records of use in the remedy and control of metabolic as properly as endocrine ailments that are detrimental to human health. Hawthorn is used (in China) in the therapy of digestive system diseases and coronary heart diseases. In America (north regions), therapy role for heart disorder dates again to 1800. Currently, evidence is collecting from a number studies that Crataegus extracts labor a large vary of pharmacological features of cardiovascular, which include activity of antioxidant, antiinflammatory effect, anti-cardiac remodeling effect, advantageous inotropic effect, defensive impact against ischemia injury, hypolipidemic and antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scolytus schevyrewi Semenov (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is native to China and Central Asia. Damage by the adults and larvae weakens local apricot trees (Armeniaca spp.), often causing death to many host trees. In previous studies, freshly cut apricot logs were found to be highly attractive to S. schevyrewi adults. To explore the possibility of trapping and monitoring this bark beetle, we evaluated the effect of the apricot tree volatiles on S. schevyrewi behavior. Volatiles from the apricot logs were collected by headspace sampling and subjected to coupled gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analysis. Behavioral responses to EAD-active compounds were assessed using two-choice Y-tube olfactometers. The results showed that the antennae of females responded to 21 volatile compounds from apricot logs. Seventeen compounds were confirmed with authentic compounds. The Y-olfactometer bioassays showed that at a stimulation dose of 100 µg, four compounds [(1 S)-(−)-α-pinene, (±)-limonene, (1 S)-(+)-3-carene, and 1-hexanol], and some binary mixtures of the four compounds [(1 S)-(−)-α-pinene plus (±)-limonene; (1 S)-(−)-α-pinene plus (1 S)-(+)-3-carene; (1 S)-(−)-α-pinene plus camphene; (1 S)-(−)-α-pinene plus (±)-limonene, (1 S)-(+)-3-carene, and 1-hexanol] were significantly attractive to both sexes (except (±)-limonene and (1 S)-(+)-3-carene for males), suggesting that these compounds may play a role in host tree selection by S. schevyrewi and should be evaluated as lures for population monitoring. In contrast, octanal, nonanal, decanal, linalool and N , N -diethylformamide appeared to repel S. schevyrewi adults in Y-tube at the concentration tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of Cydonia oblonga Mill. collected in Xinjiang province, China, led to the isolation and identification of three new dibenzofurans (1-3) along with one known compound (4). Their structures were elucidated based on HRESIMS, spectroscopic data (IR, UV, 1D, 2D NMR) and X-ray diffraction analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbus gongshanensis sp. nov., a new species from the Hengduan Mountains China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to S. kurzii from China (Yunnan & Xizang), Nepal, and Sikkim in the size of the leaflets, glabrous veins, persistent (sometimes) herbaceous stipules and reddish brown villous inflorescences and red fruits, but differs in its serrate leaflet margins toothed in the distal half or often almost to their base, reddish brown villous to glabrous hypanthium and reddish brown villous infructescences, among other characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raspberry, the fruit of Rubus Chingji Hu, is a widely distributed economic staple food in China. It has long been used as a traditional medicine in mainland China to treat kidney enuresis, nocturnal emission and premature ejaculation in clinic. In this paper, six known compounds (1 – 6) were purified from the fruits of Rubus chingji. Their structures were elucidated as (16α)-16,17-dihydroxy-ent-kauran-2-one17-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (16R) -16,17-dihydroxy-ent-kaurane-2-one (2), 3,3′-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-(5′′-acetyl)-α-L-arabinofuranoside (3), quercilicoside A (4), esculetine (5) and ethyl-β-D-glucoside (6). All the compounds were isolated from Rubus Chingji Hu for the first time. Compounds 3 and 5 shown distinctive free radical scavenging activities in DPPH and FRAP assays. In addition, no cytotoxicity was observed for compounds 3 and 5 against different cancer cells, suggesting that they might be useful as potential antioxidant agents against various reactive oxygen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbus setschwanensis Koehne is a pinnate‐leaved Sorbus s.str. species endemic to China with narrow distribution and intriguing phylogeny that needs wider attention. In this paper, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of S. setschwanensis is reported, and its phylogenetic position is analyzed. The complete cp genome of S. setschwanensis is 160 064 bp in size with 36.50% GC content. It has a typical quadripartite structure including a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 26 378 bp that separates a large single copy (LSC) region of 86 013 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 19 295 bp. The cp genome encodes 108 genes, comprising 76 protein‐coding genes, 28 tRNA genes and 4 rRNA genes. Additionally, 52 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 43 dispersed repeats were identified. Comparison of the whole cp genome with those of other Sorbus species showed an overall high degree of sequence similarity, but there are six highly variable regions (trnR‐atpA, petN‐psbM, ndhC‐trnV, trnE‐trnT, trnT‐trnL and rpl32‐trnL) located in intergenic spacers that may be useful as molecular markers in future population genetic and phylogenetic studies in the genus. Phylogenetic analyses based on 108 coding genes from 25 species in Rosaceae revealed that S. setschwanensis is nested within Sorbus sect. Sorbus together with other pinnately leaved species, but does not form a sister lineage to S. rufopilosa belonging to the same series Multijugae. Thus, the systematic position of S. setschwanensis and relationships with other species in the genus needs to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distinction between hybrids and species of hybrid origin is significant for plant diversity conservation. Interspecific hybridization within the genus Rosa is a common phenomenon. Based on field observation, we hypothesized that one previously published species, Rosa pseudobanksiae (endangered category: CR) might be a hybrid. In this study, we utilized molecular approaches involving three nuclear markers and four plastid markers to examine the origin of R. pseudobanksiae. Our evidence shows that it is indeed a natural homoploid hybrid between R. banksiae var. normalis and R. multiflora var. cathayensis, and that gene flows bidirectionally. Our multivariate morphometric analyses provide strong evidence for a matrocliny in R. × pseudobanksiae individuals. R. × pseudobanksiae has diverse morphological variations among individuals andshares the overlapped distributions with its parental progenitors. This taxon has not developed into a stabilized and self-evolving lineage with the high sterility in seed sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of Cytospora encompass important plant pathogens, saprobes and endophytes on a wide range of woody hosts with a worldwide distribution. In the current study, we obtained seven representative isolates from six tree hosts of Betulaceae, Juglandaceae, Rosaceae, Tiliaceae and Ulmaceae in Mount Dongling of China. Based on morphological comparison and phylogenetic analyses using partial ITS, LSU, act, rpb2, tef1-α and tub2 gene sequences, we identified two known species (Cytospora leucostoma and C. pruinopsis) and two novel species (C. coryli and C. spiraeicola). These results represent the first study on Cytospora species associated with canker disease from Mount Dongling of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentilla lineata Treviranus is a common medicinal plant distributed in the southwest of China. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome sequence of P. lineata and investigated its phylogenetic relationship within Potentilla and related genera. The total length of the chloroplast genome is 156,985 bp. The genome exhibits a typical quadripartite structure containing a pair of IRs (inverted repeats) of 25,974 bp separated by a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,859 bp and a large single copy (LSC) region of 86,178 bp. The chloroplast genome contained 112 genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that Potentilla L. is a monophytic taxon that is sister to Potaninia Maxim. Potentilla lineata is closely related to P. centigrana Maxim in the present study. This study provides a reference for the phylogeny and species evolution of the genus Potentilla and related genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we aimed to delimit the boundaries of the Sibbaldia procumbens species complex, integrating morphological, geographical and molecular data at the population level. In total, 246 individuals were tested with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and individuals were classified into three clusters. Stable variation in the morphology of leaflets, episepal and achenes was found between individuals from eastern and western Tibet, and this corresponds to the observed genetic structure when K = 2. The combined analysis of morphology and SSRs suggests three species should be recognized in the complex in China (S. procumbens , S. cuneata and S. aphanopetala). The ranges of these three species are mostly geographically separate from each other. Sibbaldia aphanopetala has often been treated as a variety of S. procumbens , but here we restore it to species rank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubus ovatisepalus Huan C. Wang, a new species of Rosaceae from Yunnan and Xizang, southwest China, is described and illustrated. It is closely related to R. stans, but clearly differs from the latter by its arched main stems, flower-branchlets that are longer than 20 cm, 5–7 cm long and 3.5–5 cm wide terminal leaflets, terminal inflorescences having numerous flowers, racemiform cymes, ovate to triangular-ovate and adaxially tomentose sepals with a long-acuminate to caudate apex, white or light pink petals, and an ovoid to conical gynoecium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new genus and two new species of eriophyid mites (Acari: Eriophyidae) from China are described and illustrated. They are Grandiscapitis camelliaegen. nov. and sp. nov. on Camellia oleifera Abel (Theaceae) and Prominens photiniaesp. nov. on Photinia serratifolia (Desf.) Kalkman (Rosaceae). Additionally, we provided more generic characters to Dipentamerus Wang & Wei, 2009 and re-described Dipentamerus litseae. All three species are vagrant on the lower leaf surface and no symptom to the host was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new rust genus, Quasipucciniastrum, typified by Q. agrimoniae sp. nov., is proposed based on distinct morphological characters and phylogenetic placement. This genus is characterised by its uredinial ostiolar peridial cells with rough surface and sessile, multicellular teliospores with apparently thickened apical wall. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using internal transcribed spacer regions and intervening 5.8S nrRNA gene (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU) rDNA revealed that this genus is sister to the genus Cronartium (Cronartiaceae), but morphologically it is distinct from Cronartium in the sessile teliospores that are divided by vertical septa. Morphologically, Quasipucciniastrum should be compared to Pucciniastrum (Pucciniastraceae) in its multicellular teliospores, but they were phylogenetically distant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valid publication date of Prunus dielsiana was found to be later than that of P. rufoides, which has been considered a synonym of P. dielsiana. Prunus dielsiana is therefore reduced to a synonym of P. rufoides, instead of the reverse. In addition, all previously named varieties of Prunus dielsiana, including var. abbreviata, var. conferta, and var. laxa, as well as P. carcharias are also listed as synonyms of P. rufoides in the present paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbus lushanensis Xin Chen & Jing Qiu, sp. n. (Rosaceae), a new simple-leaved species belonging to Sorbus subg. Aria sect. Alnifoliae, is described from Anhui and Jiangxi provinces in China. Illustrations, photographs of wild plants and a distribution map are presented. The new species is morphologically similar to S. folgneri, but can be distinguished easily by its abaxially greenish-grey tomentose leaves, scalelike stipules and glabrous styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hyrcanian forest of northern Iran is considered one of the potential centres for the evolution and domestication of the genus Malus (Rosaceae). However, the biogeography, phylogenetic position, and taxonomic status of the Hyrcanian wild apples have never been evaluated. In our study, the nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the trnH-psbA intergenic spacer region from 14 natural populations were analysed. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS and the Maximum-likelihood (ML) tree showed that all Hyrcanian samples were closely related to M. orientalis and M. asiatica and can be placed within section Malus and series Malus. Furthermore, based on a comparison of ITS2 secondary structures, the Hyrcanian samples were identical to M. orientalis and M. sieversii. Biogeographic scenarios constructed using Statistical Dispersal-Vicariance Analysis (S-DIVA) and the Bayesian Binary Method (BBM) indicated that the ancestor of Malus originated during the Eocene, ∼53 million years ago (Ma), and that China played a vital role in the expansion of the range of the genus. The members of Malus colonized the Hyrcanian region from China during the Miocene, ∼22-10 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological niche shifts between diploid and tetraploid plants remains a topic with potential for plant ecology and evolution. Here, we identified populations of Fragaria (Rosaceae) from 169 sampling plots, classifying populations into two species groups (diploid and tetraploid) across China using flow cytometry. We then applied niche modeling to assess the ecological niche shift between diploid and tetraploid plants of Fragaria in China based on fieldwork and herbarium data. We explored the variables that best explained niche shifts between diploid and tetraploid plants. Compared to diploid plants, tetraploid plants are more likely to inhabit areas of higher altitude, lower temperature and lower precipitation, indicating that different ploidy levels are mainly associated with niche changes of altitude, temperature and precipitation. Diploid and tetraploid plants of Fragaria exhibit significant niche shifts (i.e. niche divergence between types). Ecological niche divergence between diploid and tetraploid plants is best explained by a shift in climate and altitude in biomes of conifer forests of southwestern China. Moreover, heterogeneity of soil further contributed to the observed niche shift between diploid and tetraploid plants. Our study provides novel insights into the role of niche shifts on genome mergers and duplications of Fragaria in China. • We used niche modeling to assess the ecological niche shift between diploid and tetraploid plants of Fragaria in China. • Ecological niche Shift is best explained by a change of climate and altitude in conifer forests of southwestern China. • Our study provides novel insights into the role of niche shift on genome merger and duplication for Fragaria plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]