Plant Evolution and Domestication

Intraspecific genetic variation is the engine of evolution and the source of genetic material for domestication. The course will provide knowledge and tools to detect intraspecific genetic variation patterns at different geographical scales, from local populations to global phylogeographic patterns. This variation has implications for taxonomy, biogeography, interpretation of plant traits and evolution (including human-mediated evolution, like breeding).

The students will process genetic data (sequences and other molecular markers) and will acquire skills to interpret genetic diversity patterns. They will learn to distinguish between genetically vs. environmentally determined traits, and to understand the role of dispersal in plant evolution. This is fundamental for biodiversity conservation, both to address population fragmentation and isolation, and biological invasions, as well as for plant domestication, in particular concerning genotype selection for emerging "green" technologies.