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In this paper, Cronn et al. revisit the evolutionary history of the cotton genus (Gossypium: Malvaceae) and explore a central question in plant molecular systematics =m namely, do chloroplast sequences provide more accurate estimates of evolutionary relationships than numerous, independent nuclear loci? Using four chloroplast and 12 nuclear genes, they show that unlinked nuclear markers return a consistent evolutionary pattern that differs significantly from the evolutionary signal harbored within the chloroplast genome. Using molecular clock approaches, these authors show that an important underlying cause for this incongruence has been the recent, rapid diversification of the cotton genus. (see p. 707)

Improving mushroom phylogeny

Matheny et al. demonstrate that a new source of DNA sequence data can be used to improve understanding of the evolutionary history of mushrooms and allied fungi. They are the first researchers to employ gene sequences that code for RPB1 (RNA polymerase II) to infer phylogenetic relationships in the basidiomycete Inocybe, an important genus of little brown mushrooms. Species of this genus are symbionts with conifers and broad-leaved trees throughout temperate areas of the world and generally toxic to humans. (see p. 688)

Tracking cheatgrass

The manuscript of Bartlett et al. adds a significant piece to the complex puzzle of the invasion history of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) into the United States. Here they focus on the ancestry of eastern populations of this native Eurasian, which became especially troublesome in the west. Although some western populations do share a genetic relationship with eastern populations, they found that there were probably invaders in the west that did not first stopover in the east. Building on a series of earlier papers, the authors present one of the most thoroughly documented cases of the use of genetic data to recreate the history of a major plant invasion. Interestingly, they are able to quote from a recently discovered historic document to build a more complete story of this biotic invasion. (see p. 602)

Fungal infection in a hybrid zone

The role of hybrids in community dynamics and plant-pathogen interactions is addressed by McIntire and Waterway in their study of a Carex hybrid and its smut pathogen. The design of the study allowed the authors to assess variation in infection between parents and hybrids and among hybrid genotypes at two spatial scales. Their novel investigation extends our understanding of pathogen infection in hybrid zones and suggests that increased hybrid infection rates help to maintain species boundaries. (see p. 642)

This Article Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Search for Related Content