The Capsella rubella genome and the genomic consequences of rapid mating system evolution

Stephen Wright, Detlef Weigel and colleagues report the whole-genome sequence of Capsella rubella , a highly selfing crucifer found throughout much of southern and western Europe. They compare mixed-stage flower bud transcriptomes from C. rubella and C. grandiflora , finding a shift in expression of genes associated with flowering phenotypes and providing insights into the transition to selfing. The shift from outcrossing to selfing is common in flowering plants 1 , 2 , but the genomic consequences and the speed at which they emerge remain poorly understood. An excellent model for understanding the evolution of self fertilization is provided by Capsella rubella , which became self compatible