James X. Fang

Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 5   doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0021
Received: 02 Sep., 2024    Accepted: 03 Oct., 2024    Published: 14 Oct., 2024

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.

Fang J.X., 2024, Conservation of winged papilionate flowers: a 30 million year journey, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(5): 210-220 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0021)

Winged Papilionate flowers, characterized by their unique floral morphology and significant role in legume evolution, represent a fascinating subject of study within evolutionary biology and conservation science. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the evolutionary history, ecological roles, and conservation challenges associated with these flowers. We trace the origins of winged Papilionate flowers from their earliest fossil records to their present-day distribution, emphasizing the evolutionary significance of their unique winged structures and their co-evolution with specific pollinators. The study explores the ecological adaptations that have enabled these flowers to thrive in diverse habitats, highlighting the role of genetic diversity in their ecological success. A focused case study on Phaseolus species (common beans) illustrates the agricultural importance of winged Papilionate flowers and the evolutionary adaptations leading to their distinctive morphology. Conservation challenges, including habitat loss, climate change, and genetic erosion, are examined, along with potential strategies such as in-situ and ex-situ conservation approaches, the use of genomic tools, and modern breeding techniques like CRISPR/Cas9. The paper concludes by discussing future research priorities, emphasizing the need for an integrative approach that combines evolutionary and conservation biology, the application of emerging technologies, and the importance of policy and public engagement in conservation efforts. Understanding the evolutionary journey and conservation needs of winged Papilionate flowers is vital for preserving these ecologically and economically significant plant species.

Papilionate flowers; Winged morphology; Co-evolution; Conservation genetics; Phaseolus species