Autopolyploidy and ecological divergence: a transcriptomic approach in the Dianthus broteri complex
Autopolyploidy plays a significant role in plant speciation, especially in sympatry. To reduce competitive interactions between different cytotypes, changes in the composition of floral scents among cytotypes can facilitate reproductive isolation. These alterations in scent profiles are influenced by processes such as gene duplication and both pre-transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations.The objective of this project is to gain a deeper understanding of ecological divergence resulting from autopolyploidy within the Dianthus broteri Boiss. &amp; Reuter complex (Caryophyllaceae). This will be achieved through a transcriptomic approach, analyzing differences in gene expression between cytotypes with a focus on scent production.