Genetic admixture increases phenotypic diversity in the nectar yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii

Understanding the relationship between population genetic structure and phenotypic diversity is a fundamental question in evolutionary biology. Yeasts display wide exhibit remarkably diverse heterotrophic metabolisms that allow variety of niche occupations. However, little known about how intra-species related to trait yeasts. In this study, we investigated link floral nectar-inhabiting yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii (Ascomycota). A total 73 strains obtained from 11 plant species were genotyped by whole genome sequencing, followed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling, phenotyped using robot-assisted high-throughput screening platform. Analysis estimated number ancestral populations be K = 5, each one including different locations host plants, 26% showed significant admixture (<80% ancestry population). These mosaic scattered throughout maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree built SNP data, differed widely their ancestry. While varied nutrient assimilation tolerance inhibitors, differentiation among lineages was most cases negligible. Notably, outlier phenotypes largely corresponded strains, removal these data had dramatic effect on signal studied patterns evolution. Overall, results suggest mosaicism broadens landscape explored M. may adaptation highly variable nectar environments.