Genomic analyses provide insights into spinach domestication and the genetic basis of agronomic traits

Xiaofeng Cai, Xuepeng Sun, Chenxi Xu, Honghe Sun, Xiaoli Wang, Chenhui Ge, Zhonghua Zhang, Quanxi Wang (), Zhangjun Fei (), Chen Jiao () and Quanhua Wang ()
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Xiaofeng Cai: Shanghai Normal University
Xuepeng Sun: Cornell University
Chenxi Xu: Shanghai Normal University
Honghe Sun: Cornell University
Xiaoli Wang: Shanghai Normal University
Chenhui Ge: Shanghai Normal University
Zhonghua Zhang: Qingdao Agricultural University
Quanxi Wang: Harbin Normal University
Zhangjun Fei: Cornell University
Chen Jiao: Cornell University
Quanhua Wang: Shanghai Normal University

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Spinach is a nutritious leafy vegetable belonging to the family Chenopodiaceae. Here we report a high-quality chromosome-scale reference genome assembly of spinach and genome resequencing of 305 cultivated and wild spinach accessions. Reconstruction of ancestral Chenopodiaceae karyotype indicates substantial genome rearrangements in spinach after its divergence from ancestral Chenopodiaceae, coinciding with high repeat content in the spinach genome. Population genomic analyses provide insights into spinach genetic diversity and population differentiation. Genome-wide association studies of 20 agronomical traits identify numerous significantly associated regions and candidate genes for these traits. Domestication sweeps in the spinach genome are identified, some of which are associated with important traits (e.g., leaf phenotype, bolting and flowering), demonstrating the role of artificial selection in shaping spinach phenotypic evolution. This study provides not only insights into the spinach evolution and domestication but also valuable resources for facilitating spinach breeding.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27432-z

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