AUTHOR=Yang Ying , Liu Jin Feng , Jiang Xian Feng 

TITLE=A chromosome-level genome assembly of Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis)

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1368861

DOI=10.3389/fpls.2024.1368861

ISSN=1664-462X

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p><italic>Pseudocydonia sinensis</italic>, also known as Chinese quince, is a perennial shrub or small tree highly valued for its edibility and medicinal properties.</p></sec><sec><title>Method</title><p>This study presents the first chromosome-level genome assembly of <italic>P. sinensis</italic>, achieved using HiFi sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding technology.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>The assembly resulted in a high-quality genome of 576.39 Mb in size. The genome was anchored to 17 pseudo-chromosomes, with a contig N50 of 27.6 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 33.8 Mb. Comprehensive assessment using BUSCO, CEGMA and BWA tools indicates the high completeness and accuracy of the genome assembly. Our analysis identified 116 species-specific genes, 1196 expanded genes and 1109 contracted genes. Additionally, the distribution of 4DTv values suggests that the most recent duplication event occurred before the divergence of <italic>P. sinensis</italic> from both <italic>Chaenomeles pinnatifida</italic> and <italic>Pyrus pyrifolia</italic>.</p></sec><sec><title>Discussion</title><p>The assembly of this high-quality genome provides a valuable platform for the genetic breeding and cultivation of <italic>P. sinensis</italic>, as well as for the comparison of the genetic complexity of <italic>P. sinensis</italic> with other important crops in the Rosaceae family.</p></sec>