Araujo, J. V. d. S. R. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2025

First chromosome scale genome of Acrocomia aculeata

The Arecaceae family comprises economically, and ecologically significant palm species widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Among them, Acrocomia aculeata, commonly known as Macauba, has gained attention due to its high oil yield, environmental adaptability, and potential applications in sustainable agriculture and bioenergy production. This study presents the first chromosome scale genome assembly of A. aculeata and the first reference genome of the genus, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing, PacBio HiFi and Hi-C proximity ligation data. The genome covers 1.94 Gbp in the 15 pseudochromosomes, with N50 of 143.43 Mbp, achieving a base quality (QV) of 76.4 and a k-mer completeness of 90.58% of PacBio HiFi data, with k=21. Interspersed repetitive regions represent 77.36% of the total genome, with long terminal repeat (LTRs) accounting for 54.98%. A total of 28.215 protein-coding genes were predicted. The genome was validated with BUSCO, achieving a completeness of 98.9% for predicted proteins. The first chromosome scale genome of Macauba provide new insights and breakthroughs for studies of conservation genomics and plant breeding programs.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2019

Genetic diversity by ISSR of two endemic quillworts (Isoetes L.) species from Amazon Iron Rocky Outcrops, Isoetes cangae e I. serracarajensis

Two lycophytes endemic species have been recently described at the State of Para, in the Amazon forest located in the North of Brazil. Genetic diversity and population structure of Isoetes cangae and I. serracarajensis were investigated through ISSR molecular markers. These analyses aim to establish strategies for future attempts for species conservation. From sixteen primers, 115 gel bands were identified from which 87% were polymorphic. A high level of polymorphic loci (81,74 % e 68,48 %) and a high Shannon index for intra populational genetic diversity was observed for each species (Sh=0.376 e 0.289) I. cangae and I. serracarajensis, respectively. The largest genetic diversity of both species relies in their own populations. The coefficient of genetic differentiation between population areas (GST) was higher in I. serracarajensis (0.5440) than in I. cangae (0.2250). Gene flow was high between I. cangae populations (1.7142) and very low in I. serracarajensis (0.4190). Principal Component Analysis (PCoA) showed that individual plants were allocated into species-specific and population groups. Overall, the results further show that I. serracarajensis (0.5440) and I. cangae are two species with considerable genetic variation. These results should be considered for effective conservation strategies of both species.

genetics↗