The saltmarsh cordgrass Spartina anglica has novel genomic features that contribute to abiotic stress tolerance.

has undergone multiple whole-genome duplications and evolved unique genomic features that enhance its abiotic stress tolerance in saltmarsh environments.

• Why it matters: Understanding how this invasive species survives extreme environmental stresses can inform management strategies and reveal key adaptive mechanisms in plants facing climate change.
• What they did: Using long-read sequencing and transcriptomic analysis of various tissues, researchers identified at least two whole-genome duplications, segmental allopolyploidy, and gene expansions related to stress responses.
• The result: The study uncovers novel genetic and biochemical adaptations, including enhanced osmolyte production and gene regulation via retrotransposons, enabling to thrive under severe abiotic stresses.