High‐quality genome of a pioneer mangrove Laguncularia racemosa explains its advantages for intertidal zone reforestation

• DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13863
• Publication Date: 2023-09-09T10:30:45Z
• Authors: Ranran Zhu; Shao Shao; Wei Xie; Zixiao Guo; Ziwen He; Yulong Li; Wenqing Wang; Cairong Zhong; Suhua Shi; Shaohua Xu
• Keywords: Reforestation

Ecological restoration of mangrove ecosystems that became susceptible to recent habitat perturbations is crucial for tropical coast conservation. The white Laguncularia racemosa, a pioneer species inhabiting intertidal environments the Atlantic East Pacific (AEP) region, has been used reforestation in China decades. However, molecular mechanisms underlying its fast growth and high adaptive potential remain unknown. Using PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing, we completed high-quality L. racemosa genome assembly covering 1105 Mb with scaffold N50 3.46 Mb. Genomic phylogeny shows invaded zones during period global warming. Multi-level genomic convergence analyses between three native dominant clades show they experienced convergent changes genes involved nutrient absorption salinity tolerance. This may explain successful adaptation stressful after introduction. Without whole-genome duplications or activated transposable elements, retained many tandem gene duplications. Some them are auxin biosynthesis, intense light stress cold response pathways, associated racemosa's ability grow under conditions when reforestation. In summary, our study identifies shared environmental unique genetic mangrove-unfavourable sheds on utility ecological restoration.