We integrated Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing, Hi-C chromatin interaction scaffolding, and Illumina short-read sequencing to perform genome assembly and error correction. Multiple analyses were subsequently conducted, including gene functional annotation, comparative genomics, population genetics, and time-series transcriptome profiling of floral tissues.
Key Findings
The assembled genome has a total length of 289.62 Mb, with 31,134 protein-coding genes annotated. BUSCO evaluation verified the genome completeness reaches 97.1%, and repetitive sequences account for 46.23% of the whole genome.
We clarified the phylogenetic position of Prunus conradinae within subgenus Cerasus, and revealed the characteristics of chromosomal rearrangements and ancient polyploidization footprints during its independent species differentiation.
Core floral-development gene families such as MADS-box were identified, and the molecular regulatory pathways governing its early-spring flowering phenotype were elucidated.
The rules of genetic differentiation among natural populations were deciphered, providing solid genomic resources for the conservation of Prunus conradinae germplasm and directional breeding of superior ornamental flowering cherry cultivars.
The full-length paper titled 'Chromosome-level genome assembly provides insights into the genetic diversity, evolution, and flower development of Prunus conradinae' was published in Molecular Horticulture (Impact Factor = 7.2).