A lectin receptor-like kinase controls self-pollen recognition in Phlox (Polemoniaceae)

Graduate student Grace Burgin and Hopkins lab undergraduate researcher Nia Lewis identify Phlox drummondii Pistil Identity Receptor Kinase (PdPIRK) as the gene responsible for self-pollen recognition in Phlox, revealing a novel self-incompatibility mechanism. The findings highlight striking parallels with the Brassicaceae SI system, suggesting conserved evolutionary pathways in the molecular evolution of self-recognition. Full reading can be found here.

Variation in response to water availability across Phlox species

This study by Hopkins lab graduate student Christina Steinecke examines how three closely related Texas Phlox species and their hybrids respond to water limitation, revealing that drought-induced trait plasticity varies independently from environmental niche breadth. The findings suggest that phenotypic plasticity and ecological niche expansion may evolve through distinct evolutionary pathways. You can find the full article here.

The genetic architecture of quantitative variation in the self-incompatibility response within Phlox drummondii (Polemoniaceae)

Graduate student Grace Burgin and Prof. Hopkins dissect the variation in self-incompatibility within Phlox drummondii as it arises from a polygenic genetic architecture, with multiple genomic regions – including a newly mapped S-locus which contributes to the transition toward self-compatibility. The findings highlight diverse genetic pathways through which mating system evolution can occur in flowering plants. Read more about it here.