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 genetic diversity and exhibit remarkably diverse heterotrophic metabolisms that allow a variety of niche occupations. However, little is known about how intra-species genetic population structure is related to trait diversity in yeasts. In this study, we investigated the link between intra-species genetic population structure and trait diversity in the floral nectar-inhabiting yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii (Ascomycota). A total of 73 strains obtained from 11 plant species were genotyped by whole genome sequencing, followed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling, and phenotyped using a robot-assisted high-throughput screening platform. Analysis of the population structure estimated the number of ancestral populations to be K = 5, each one including strains from different locations and host plants, and 26% of strains showed significant genetic admixture (