Scientists identified genes that make water hyacinth invasive adaptive to new habitats. Credit: Subhra Priyadarshini
The genome sequence of water hyacinth reveals that it has undergone a whole genome duplication, resulting in a large number of protein-coding genes1.
Most of these genes are associated with plant-pathogen interaction, hormone signalling, photosynthesis and abiotic stress tolerance. They contribute to the plant’s ability to invade, adapt and grow in new habitats.
High photosynthetic efficiency makes water hyacinth an excellent plant for sequestering carbon and mitigating climate changes such as global warming, says a team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
The scientists, led by Vineet Sharma, sequenced the water hyacinth’s genes, using genetic materials from the root, leaf and stolon tissue. They found that 4,709 gene families expanded and 958 contracted. Genes from the extended families were mainly involved in plant secondary metabolism, signalling pathways and photosynthesis.
Compared with the genes of 14 invasive and non-invasive aquatic flowering plants, hyacinth showed unique amino acid substitution in 1,272 genes with functional impact and, of these, 114 showed more than one signature of adaptive evolution.
Genes that help counter the toxic effects of heavy metals and ones associated with light-harvesting complexes show signs of adaptive evolution and duplication. The researchers say despite being an invasive weed, water hyacinth has high biomass which can be converted into biofuel. It can also help remove heavy metals, they add.
