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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.08.08.503172

The Chromosome-based Genome of Paspalum vaginatum Provides New Insights into Salt-stress Adaptation

Liao, L.·Hu, X.·Hao, J.·Tang, M.·Ren, L.·Pan, L.·Xie, S.·Raymer, P.·Qi, P.·Chen, Z.·Wang, Z.·Luo, J.
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Abstract

Salinization is increasingly a major factor limiting production worldwide. Revealing the mechanism of salt tolerance could help to create salt-tolerant crops and improve their yields. We reported a chromosome-scale genome sequence of the halophyte turfgrass Paspalum vaginatum, and provided structural evidence that it shared a common ancestor with Z. mays and S. bicolor. A total of 107 P. vaginatum germplasms were divided into two groups (China and foreign group) based on the re-sequenced data, and the grouping findings were consistent with the geographical origin. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of visually scored wilting degree and withering rates identified highly significant QTL on chromosome 6. Combination with RNA-seq, we identified a significantly up-regulated gene under salt stress, which encodes High-affinity K+ Transporter 7 (PvHKT7), as strong candidates underlying the QTL. Overexpression of this gene in Arabidopsis thaliana significantly enhanced salt tolerance by increasing K+ absorption. This study adds new insights into salt-stress adaptation of P. vaginatum and serve as a resource for salt-tolerant improvement of grain crops.

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Liao, L., Hu, X., Hao, J., Tang, M., Ren, L., Pan, L., Xie, S., Raymer, P., Qi, P., Chen, Z., Wang, Z., Luo, J.. 2022-08-11. The Chromosome-based Genome of Paspalum vaginatum Provides New Insights into Salt-stress Adaptation. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.08.08.503172

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