Combining a high-caliber chromosome-level genome and root single-cell atlas resolves genetic diversity and root development in Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata.

A chromosome-scale genome and root single-cell atlas reveal genetic divergence and key regulatory genes in Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, supporting stress tolerance research.

• Why it matters: Understanding the genomic and cellular basis of stress tolerance in olive trees can improve breeding strategies and adaptation to environmental challenges.
• What they did: Researchers assembled a 1.62 Gb genome across 23 chromosomes using PacBio CLR and Hi-C sequencing, and created a root-specific single-cell atlas to analyze cell differentiation and gene regulation.
• The result: Findings show O. europaea subsp. cuspidata diverged from other lineages around 5.7 Mya and is closer to cultivated O. europaea subsp. europaea cv. Arbequina, providing insights for stress tolerance and root development.