Researchers from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University and the National Orchid Germplasm Resources Conservation Center (Shenzhen) have recently completed the genome sequencing of Vanilla shenzhenensis. This makes Vanilla shenzhenensis the first climbing orchid species to have its genome sequenced, providing a crucial foundation for uncovering the origin of orchids and studying their evolutionary processes. This achievement also marks the first genomic map of a major spice plant in China. Dr. Liu Zhongjian, Chief Scientist at the National Orchid Germplasm Resources Conservation Center and Visiting Professor at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, explained that the sequencing of the Vanilla shenzhenensis genome was performed using a whole-genome shotgun sequencing strategy. To date, 260 Gb of sequencing data have been obtained, with the genome size estimated to be around 800 Mb and approximately 29,000 genes identified. The genome exhibits a heterozygosity of approximately 1.14%, indicating a highly heterozygous and complex genome, with assembly results approaching the standard for high-quality genome maps.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-020-00197-2