The origins and spread of the opium poppy ( Papaver somniferum L.) revealed by genomics and seed morphometrics

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 380(1926)

Published: May 1, 2025

The opium poppy ( Papaver somniferum L.) is one of the most important plants in human history. It main source opiates used as analgesic medicines or psychotropic drugs, latter related to addiction problems, illegal trafficking and geopolitical issues. Poppyseed also cooking. prehistoric origins, domestication cultivation spread remain unresolved. Traditionally, setigerum has been considered wild ancestor with early presumed have occurred Western Mediterranean region, where autochthonous. Other theories suggest that may introduced by Southwest Asian farmers a weed. To investigate these hypotheses, we analysed 190 accessions from 15 species using genotype-by-sequencing geometric morphometric (GMM) techniques. Our analysis revealed only taxa genetically close can be better described subspecies . domesticated are, however, distinct Additionally, GMM seeds morphological differences between Some phenotypically exhibited intermediate genetic features, suggesting introgression events. Two major populations were found and, some extent, correspond seed form. These two reflect recent attempts breed varieties rich opiates, opposed for poppyseed production. This study supports idea began Mediterranean, progenitor, although are likely feral forms, which confound studies. article part theme issue ‘Unravelling domestication: multi-disciplinary perspectives on non-human relationships past, present future’.

Language: Английский

Unravelling domestication: introduction to the theme issue

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 380(1926)

Published: May 1, 2025

Language: Английский