The genome of Chenopodium pallidicaule: An emerging Andean super grain

Abstract

Premise Cañahua is a semi‐domesticated crop grown in high‐altitude regions of the Andes. It is an A‐genome diploid (2n = 2x = 18) relative of the allotetraploid (AABB) Chenopodium quinoa and shares many of its nutritional benefits. Cañahua seed contains a complete protein, a low glycemic index, and offers a wide variety of nutritionally important vitamins and minerals. Methods The reference assembly was developed using a combination of short‐ and long‐read sequencing techniques, including multiple rounds of Hi‐C–based proximity‐guided assembly. Results The final assembly of the ~363‐Mbp genome consists of 4633 scaffolds, with 96.6% of the assembly contained in nine scaffolds representing the nine haploid chromosomes of the species. Repetitive element analysis classified 52.3% of the assembly as repetitive, with the most common repeat identified as long terminal repeat retrotransposons. MAKER annotation of the final assembly yielded 22,832 putative gene models. Discussion When compared with quinoa, strong patterns of synteny support the hypothesis that cañahua is a close A‐genome diploid relative, and thus potentially a simplified model diploid species for genetic analysis and improvement of quinoa. Resequencing and phylogenetic analysis of a diversity panel of cañahua accessions suggests that coordinated efforts are needed to enhance genetic diversity conservation within ex situ germplasm collections.

A multilayered cross-species analysis of GRAS transcription factors uncovered their functional networks in plant adaptation to the environment

“…The genome sequences of the studied species [ Oryza sativa (diploid) [25] , Arabidopsis thaliana (diploid) [26] , Fagopyrum tataricum (diploid) [27] , Beta vulgaris (diploid) [28] , Chenopodium quinoa (allotetraploid) [29] , [30] , Chenopodium pallidicaule (diploid) [29] , [31] , Chenopodium suecicum (diploid) [29] , Daucus carota (diploid) [32] , Lactuca sativa (diploid) [33] , Helianthus annuus (diploid) [34] , Olea europaea (diploid) [35] , Nicotiana attenuata (diploid) [36] , Solanum tuberosum (autotetraploid) [37] , Solanum lycopersicum (diploid) [38] , Actinidia chinensis (heterozygous diploid) [39] , Aquilegia coerulea (diploid) [40] and Amborella trichopoda (diploid) [41] ] were downloaded from the NCBI.…”

Gluten‐free bread applications: Thermo‐mechanical and techno‐functional characterization of Kañiwa flour

“…It is grown between 3,850 and 4,200 meters above sea level, where frosts are frequent and intense. Kañiwa has an unique nutritional profile, containing 15%–18% of protein, with a balanced essential amino acid composition, including 5%–6% lysine, which is typically limiting in monocotyledonous grain crops (Mangelson et al., 2019; Peñarrieta et al., 2008), as well as micronutrients, such as calcium and iron (Repo‐Carrasco et al., 2003). It is a good source of dietary fiber and other important compounds, such as phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and vitamins and a source of oil with mainly unsaturated fatty acids (Repo‐Carrasco Valencia, 2011).…”

“…(2018) reported that kañiwa protein is a potential source of bioactive peptides with antioxidant and antihypertensive activity. However, kañiwa has been unknown and underutilized as a food resource outside of the Andes (Mangelson et al., 2019).…”

First report of Peronospora variabilis causing downy mildew disease in cañahua (Chenopodium pallidicaule) in Bolivia

“…The downy mildew in cañahua can be considered a potential threat to the large-scale cultivation of cañahua in the near future. Due to the diploid genome of cañahua (Mangelson et al 2019), it can be used to study the downy mildew disease at molecular level and bene t the whole Chenopodiaceae family.…”