A chromosome level genome assembly of Pseudoroegneria libanotica reveals
a key Kcs gene involves in the cuticular wax elongation for drought
resistance
Abstract
The St genome of Pseudoroegneria (Triticeae, Poaceae) not only accounts
for more than 60% perennial speciation, but also prominent for forage
and crop breeding. The diploid Pseudoroegneria libanotica with more
ancient St genome is covered by cuticular wax on the aerial part, and
exhibited strong drought resistance. To reveal the genetic relationship
among Triticeae species and illustrate the mechanism between water
deficit and cuticular wax formation, in this study, we (1) assembled the
chromosome level St genome of Pse. libanotica with 2.99 Gb assembled
into seven pseudochromosomes; less repeat clusters (TEs) is the main
reason for the St genome with smaller genome size, and high genome
heterozygosity might cause abundant St-containing speciation; (2) the
genus Pseudoroegneria diverged during the middle and late Miocene, and
unique genes, gene family expansion and contraction in Pse. libanotica
were enriched in biotic and abiotic stresses, such as fatty acid
biosynthesis which may be greatly contribute to the its drought
adaption; (3) in total, 14 genes were involved in wax biosynthesis under
28 days drought treatment, more importantly, a new Kcs gene
evm.TU.CTG175.54 plays a critical role in the very long chain fatty acid
(VLCFA) elongation from C18 to C26 in Pse. libanotica. Our study lays a
foundation for the genome diversification of Triticeae species and
deciphers cuticular wax formation genes that have contributed to the
drought resistance of Pse. libanotica.