Title:	Neonative diploid-polyploid hotspots of Paspalum notatum: identifying novel genetic diversity for conservation in South America.
Authors:	ESCOBAR, L. M. REUTEMANN, A. V. PERICHON, M. C. SCHNEIDER, J. S. SARTOR, C. A. CHAPARRO, C. DAVIÑA, J. R. VALLS, J. F. M. MARTÍNEZ, E. J. HONFI, A. I.
Affiliation:	LUCAS M. ESCOBAR, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE MISIONES (FCEQYN-UNAM); ANNA VERENA REUTEMANN, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DEL NORDESTE (FCA-UNNE); MARÍA C. PERICHON, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE MISIONES (FCEQYN-UNAM); JUAN S. SCHNEIDER, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE MISIONES (FCEQYN-UNAM); CAROLINA A. SARTOR, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE MISIONES (FCEQYN-UNAM); CLARISSE CHAPARRO, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE ASUNCIÓN; JULIO R. DAVIÑA, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE MISIONES (FCEQYN-UNAM); JOSE FRANCISCO MONTENEGRO VALLS, CENARGEN; ERIC J. MARTÍNEZ, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DEL NORDESTE (FCA-UNNE); ANA I. HONFI, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE MISIONES (FCEQYN-UNAM).
Date Issued:	2025
Citation:	Genes, v. 16, n. 9, 1098, 2025.
Description:	Background: Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), a key cultivated grass worldwide, includes both sexual diploid and apomictic tetraploid cytotypes. Finding new diploid populations is crucial for the species’ genetic improvement and conservation. Objectives: We aimed to determine the ploidy levels of 168 P. notatum accessions from subtropical South America, analyze the geographic distribution of cytotype diversity, and identify new diploid zones. Methods: Using chromosome counts and flow cytometry, we georeferenced our data with existing literature to map cytotype distribution. Results: We discovered five previously unknown diploid centers in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, two of which resulted from the naturalization of diploid cultivars. One location hosted a mixed-ploidy population (diploid, tetraploid, and pentaploid), confirming ongoing hybridization. Our results show that human activity actively creates new centers of genetic diversity, serving as a dynamic source of raw material for crop resilience. These neonative diversification zones are not only of scientific interest but also vital, evolving hotspots for germplasm conservation. Conclusions: This study presents a new framework for understanding the interactions between crop and wild relatives and highlights the urgent need for conservation in the rapidly changing South American grasslands.
NAL Thesaurus:	Chromosome number
Keywords:	Cytotype diversity Neopolyploidization Wild-cultivated plant hybrids Cytotype foci conservation
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16091098
Type of Material:	Artigo de periódico
Access:	openAccess
Appears in Collections:	Artigo em periódico indexado (CENARGEN)