Genetic to epigenetic switch in the flexible sex determination system of polyploid persimmon

In this project, we exploited evidences for the establishment of an epigenetic switch regulating sex determination in polyploid persimmon. In diploid wild persimmons (Diospyros spp.), male flower development is based on the repression of MeGI by the Y-encoded male-determining factor OGI. On the other hand, in hexaploid Oriental persimmon (D. kaki), transient small-RNAs derived from MeGI and the resultant DNA methylation play a main role in sex-determination. This regulation leads to the formation of monoeocy phenotype, in genetically male individuals which carry the Y-chromosomes. OGI expression is undetectable in hexaploid persimmon, possibly due to the SINE-like insertion in the 5' region of its promoter. These situations suggest the adaptive evolution from dioecious sex determination to a flexible sex determination following polyploidization. Here, we give illumina reads data for small-RNAseq analysis in the annual cycles in both diploid D. lotus and hexaploid D. kaki, and for bisulfite PCR sequencing in plant organs in male and female flowers/individuals.