Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 64-78 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 64 Systematic Review Open Access Genomic Insights into the Evolutionary History of the Camellia Genus: Comprehensive Analysis of Phylogenetic Relationships, Speciation, and Adaptive Evolution Xinzhuan Yao1, HuTang1, Yujie Jiao1, YumeiHe1 , LitangLu2 1 College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China 2 College of Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in the Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China Corresponding authors: yumeih2010@163.com; ltlv@gzu.edu.cn Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.1 doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0007 Received: 07 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 13 Feb., 2024 Published: 29 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yao et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yao X.Z., Tang H., Jiao Y.J., He Y.M., and Lu L.T., 2024, Genomic insights into the evolutionary history of the Camellia genus: comprehensive analysis of phylogenetic relationships, speciation, and adaptive evolution, Journal of Tea Science Research, 14(1): 64-78 (doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0007) Abstract This study aims to synthesize current genomic research to elucidate the evolutionary history of the Camellia genus. By integrating various studies, it provides comprehensive insights into the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms that have shaped the diversity and adaptation of Camellia species. Genomic research has significantly advanced the understanding of the Camellia genus, revealing the genetic basis of adaptive traits and the mechanisms by which Camellia plants thrive in diverse ecological niches. Comparative chloroplast genomics has identified sequence polymorphisms and divergent hotspots that are valuable for phylogenetic analysis and species identification. The draft genome of tea (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis) highlighted two whole-genome duplications and the evolution of gene families critical for tea quality. Transcriptomic analysis of 116 Camellia plants provided evidence of a recent whole-genome duplication and identified gene families associated with stress resistance and secondary metabolism. The study found that hybridization events have significantly contributed to increased genetic diversity and adaptability. Additionally, the practical applications of genomic research in breeding programs have been demonstrated, leading to the development of new cultivars with improved traits. The integration of genomic, transcriptomic, and chloroplast data provides profound insights into the evolutionary history of the Camellia genus. These findings are crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and optimizing breeding programs to ensure the sustainability and economic viability of Camellia species, promoting the conservation and utilization of Camellia plants. Keywords Camellia genus; Genomic insights; Evolutionary history; Phylogenetic relationships; Conservation genetics Introduction The genus Camellia, belonging to the family Theaceae, comprises over 200 species. These plants are primarily known for their commercial products, including tea leaves, ornamental flowers, and high-quality edible oils (Yang et al., 2013; Wu et al., 2022; Cheng et al., 2022). Particularly, the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) holds a crucial position due to its extensive use in tea production. Tea, a beverage widely consumed globally for its unique flavors and health benefits, makes significant contributions to the agricultural economy and cultural practices of many regions (Wei et al., 2018; Cheng et al., 2022). Additionally, ornamental species in the Camellia genus, such as Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua, are highly valued in horticulture for their beautiful flowers. The Camellia genus also makes important contributions to agriculture, with certain species used for oil production, such as Camellia oleifera Abel (Wu et al., 2022; Gao et al., 2023). The diverse applications of Camellia plants underscore their substantial impact on agriculture, the economy, and culture. Despite their significance, the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Camellia have been challenging to resolve due to frequent interspecific hybridization and polyploidization events (Yang et al., 2013; Huang et al., 2013; Li et al., 2019). Genomics has emerged as a powerful tool in plant evolutionary studies, offering unprecedented insights into the genetic architecture and evolutionary dynamics of species. By analyzing the complete DNA sequences of organisms, genomic studies enable researchers to identify genetic variations, trace lineage relationships, and understand the mechanisms driving evolution (Xu et al., 2015). Genomic studies play a crucial role in
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