The Ficus erecta genome to identify the Ceratocystis canker resistance gene for breeding programs in common fig (F. carica)

Abstract

Ficus erecta, a wild relative of common fig (F. carica), is a donor of Ceratocystis canker resistance in fig breeding programs. Interspecific hybridization followed by recurrent backcrossing is an effective method to transfer the resistance trait from wild to cultivated fig; however, this is time consuming and labor-intensive for trees, especially for gynodioecious plants such as fig. In this study, genome resources were developed for F. erecta to facilitate fig breeding programs. The genome sequence of F. erecta was determined using single-molecule real-time sequencing technology. The resultant assembly spanned 331.6 Mb with 538 contigs and an N50 length of 1.9 Mb, from which 51,806 high-confidence genes were predicted. Pseudomolecule sequences corresponding to the chromosomes of F. erecta were established with a genetic map based on single nucleotide polymorphisms from double-digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing. Subsequent linkage analysis and whole genome resequencing identified a candidate gene for the Ceratocystis canker resistance trait. Genome-wide genotyping analysis enabled selection of female lines that possessed resistance and effective elimination of donor genome from progeny. The genome resources provided in this study will accelerate and enhance disease resistance breeding programs in fig.