Genome Survey Sequencing of the Medical Plant Dioscorea futschauensis: Genomic Characteristics Estimation and Genomic Resources Development

Dioscorea futschauensis Uline ex R. Knuth, a perennial climbing herb belonging to the Stenophora section of the genus Dioscorea L. (Dioscoreaceae), originates from Southeast China and is highly regarded for its medicinal properties. Despite its medicinal significance, the absence of genomic information has impeded the effective utilization and conservation of this species. Here, we conducted genome survey sequencing of D. futschauensis to unveil its genomic characteristics and identify species-specific genomic markers, including whole plastome sequence, plastome-divergent hotspots, single-copy nuclear genes and polymorphic nuclear SSRs. The genome of D. futschauensis was approximated to be 1392.76 Mb in length, accompanied by a substantial heterozygosity rate of 1.75% and a repeat content of 67.43%. Comparative plastome analysis illuminated the conserved genome structure and gene content within D. futschauensis, and revealed four highly divergent hotspots (atpF intron, psbA-matK, matK -rps16, and rrn16-trnI) that could serve as molecular markers for D. futschauensis and its closely related species. Furthermore, more than 200 single-copy nuclear genes and 78 polymorphic nuclear SSRs were identified within D. futschauensis. Overall, the comprehensive genomic information and abundant genetic resources provided herein will not only facilitate extended research in the realms of population genetics, phylogenetics and conservation biology of D. futschauensis, but also hold considerable value for its cultivation and molecular breeding applications.