Adaptation via geneflow in endangered Arabis floodplain species (B04)

• Subject Area: Plant Genetics and Genomics
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456082119

When ecologically different species naturally interbreed in specific areas of their distribution, it becomes possible to determine the genetics of their ecology under entirely natural conditions. The two endangered species, Arabis nemorensis and Arabis sagittata hybridize naturally today in a unique site located on the banks of the Rhine. We will take advantage of this singular hybridization hotspot to conduct a genetic analysis of inter-specific variation in functional traits and plant performance in situ and reveal how this variation impacts the dynamics of hybridization. Understanding the consequences of contemporaneous gene flow may help protect species from extinction.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 341: Plant Ecological Genetics
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Juliette de Meaux, since 7/2022