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Chromosome-scale genomes and population resequencing resolve subgenome diversity and halophyte adaptation in Salicornia

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Sep 09, 2026 version files 4.40 GB

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Abstract

We present high-quality, chromosome-scale genome assemblies for wild Salicornia and a resequenced panel of globally-representative accessions. The six genomes include diploids S. brachiata (2n = 2x = 18), S. sinus-persica (2n = 2x = 18), S. europaea (Israel) (2n = 2x = 18), and S. persica ssp. iranica (2n = 2x = 18) and allotetraploids S. bigelovii (2n = 4x = 36), and Salicornia sp. France (2n = 4x = 36). These Salicornia genomes were sequenced using PacBio HiFi to an average depth of 73x (ranging from 28 x to 143 x) and chromatin conformation sequencing (Omni-C with average coverage of 91x). Four diploid genomes were assembled with a total size of 518 Mb for S. europaea (Israel), 559 Mb for S. persica ssp. iranica, 570 Mb for S. sinus-persica, and 553 Mb for S. brachiata. Two tetraploid genomes were assembled to a total size of 2,138 Mb for S. bigelovii and 1,129 Mb for Salicornia sp. France. Our analyses revealed at least four distinct subgenomes within the genus. We also observed substantial inter- and intraspecific genetic variation and identified a need for systematic curation of misclassified species. This represents the first global collection of genotyped Salicornia germplasm available for genetics and breeding. These genomic resources lay the foundation for the domestication of Salicornia as a climate-resilient crop for saltwater agricultural systems.