integrative CONyza NEtwork for Contemporary Trait evolution
WHAT IS iCONNECT?
iCONNECT, the integrative CONyza NEtwork for Contemporary Trait evolution, is an interdisciplinary network dedicated to investigate the sources and consequences of intraspecific trait variation. Comparisons between native and non-native populations allow the study of post-introduction evolutionary change at contemporary time scales. Our collaborative network has collected seeds and field data from more than 300 Conyza canadensis populations, sampled across broad environmental gradients in both native and non-native ranges. Based on this extensive sampling, iCONNECT operates as a collaborative network of researchers who investigate intraspecific trait variation in their respective research fields using the sampled populations and the field and common garden data collected so-far. The assessments conducted include a broad range of multi-omics approaches, such as phenotypic data, ddRADseq, eco-metabolomics, whole genome sequencing, and amplicon sequencing.
Figure: Overview of all currently sampled native (blue) and non native (red) populations of Conyza canadensis.
THE STUDY SPECIES
Conyza canadensis is an annual weed known for its prolific seed production, pronounced drought tolerance, and high phenotypic plasticity. These traits make this species a successful invader and an economically significant agricultural weed, and therefore, an important model species for both invasion biology and weed science. The species is native to North America and non-native across large parts of the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. This cosmopolitan distribution allows to study among-population variation in biotic interactions across extensive climatic gradients. Conyza canadensis has demonstrated a high capacity for rapid evolution, as evidenced by its status as the first eudicot to evolve glyphosate resistance. This capacity for rapid evolution is likely facilitated by its genome architecture, which comprises a small genome with a large number of genes. Additionally, its annual life cycle and self-pollinating reproductive system accelerate the selection of advantageous alleles, thereby further promoting rapid evolution.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
iCONNECT acknowledges the funding from German Research Foundation (DFG), German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Flexpool Funding of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), MLU BioDivFund for Integrative Biodiversity Research in Saxony-Anhalt, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Ministry of Human Resources Development of India, and Department of Science and Technology of India.