Bothriochloa decipiens Genome sequencing. Bothriochloa decipiens

The Australian grass, Bothriochloa decipiens, belongs to a group with a complex history of hybridization and polyploidy known as the BCD clade. We sequenced, assembled and annotated a chromosomal level genome reference of Bothriochloa decipiens using linked read sequencing and proximity ligation scaffolding. Comparative analysis revealed that the species is a diploidized allotetraploid. We grouped the 20 major scaffolds, representing the 20 chromosomes, into the two sub genomes of the parental species using unique repeat signatures. We found evidence of biased fractionation between the subgenomes as well as differences in the activity of TEs prior to hybridization. Genes retained as duplicates were enriched for biological functions such as transcription and response to external stimuli such as drought, supporting theories on biased duplicate gene retention following WGD events. This is a widespread species with the ability to establish well on many soil types easily, making it useful for ecological restoration of degraded Australian grasslands. This reference genome is a valuable resource for future population genomic research involving Australian grasses which may be helpful in decision making during the ecological restoration processes.