Data from: Genome sequence of dwarf birch (Betula nana) and cross-species RAD markers

New sequencing technologies allow development of genome-wide markers for
any genus of ecological interest, including plant genera such as Betula
(birch) that have previously proved difficult to study due to widespread
polyploidy and hybridisation. We present a de novo reference genome
sequence assembly, from 67X short read coverage, of Betula nana (dwarf
birch) – a diploid that is the keystone woody species of sub-arctic scrub
communities but of conservation concern in Britain. We also present 100bp
PstI RAD markers for B. nana and closely related Betula tree species.
Assembly of RAD markers in 15 individuals by alignment to the reference B.
nana genome yielded 44k-86k RAD loci per individual, whereas de novo RAD
assembly yielded 64k-121k loci per individual. Of the loci assembled by
the de novo method, 3k homologous loci were found in all 15 individuals
studied, and 35k in 10 or more individuals. Matching of RAD loci to RAD
locus catalogs from the B. nana individual used for the reference genome,
showed similar numbers of matches from both methods of RAD locus assembly
but indicated that the de novo RAD assembly method may over-assemble some
paralogous loci. In 12 individuals hetero-specific to B. nana 37k-47k RAD
loci matched a catalog of RAD loci from the B. nana individual used for
the reference genome, whereas 44k-60k RAD loci aligned to the B. nana
reference genome itself. We present a preliminary study of allele sharing
among species, demonstrating the utility of the data for introgression
studies and for the identification of species-specific alleles.