Genome sequence and analysis of the tuber crop potato

TLDR

Potato is the world’s most important non‑grain food crop, clonally propagated, highly heterozygous, autotetraploid, and suffers acute inbreeding depression, with gene family expansion and tissue‑specific expression driving tuber development. The study aims to sequence and assemble 86 % of the 844‑megabase potato genome using a homozygous doubled‑monoploid clone. The authors sequenced and assembled 86 % of the 844‑megabase genome using a homozygous doubled‑monoploid potato clone. The assembled genome contains 39,031 protein‑coding genes, evidence of two palaeopolyploid duplication events, 2,642 asterid‑specific genes, frequent gene presence/absence variants linked to inbreeding depression, and offers a platform for genetic improvement.

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the world's most important non-grain food crop and is central to global food security. It is clonally propagated, highly heterozygous, autotetraploid, and suffers acute inbreeding depression. Here we use a homozygous doubled-monoploid potato clone to sequence and assemble 86% of the 844-megabase genome. We predict 39,031 protein-coding genes and present evidence for at least two genome duplication events indicative of a palaeopolyploid origin. As the first genome sequence of an asterid, the potato genome reveals 2,642 genes specific to this large angiosperm clade. We also sequenced a heterozygous diploid clone and show that gene presence/absence variants and other potentially deleterious mutations occur frequently and are a likely cause of inbreeding depression. Gene family expansion, tissue-specific expression and recruitment of genes to new pathways contributed to the evolution of tuber development. The potato genome sequence provides a platform for genetic improvement of this vital crop.