Chromosome‐level genome assembly of Dendrothrips minowai and genomic analysis highlights distinct adaptations to high polyphenols in tea plants

BACKGROUND: Dendrothrips minowai Priesner, a significant pest in tea-producing regions of Asia, particularly China, damages tea plants (Camellia sinensis) by feeding on their tender leaves rich in polyphenols. Seven assembled genomes from the order Thysanoptera are currently available. RESULTS: This study presents the first chromosome-level genome assembly of D. minowai generated by PacBio Revio, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, MGI, and Hi-C technology. The assembled genome measures 350.11 Mb with 1269 contigs with a contig N50 of 536.34 Kb and a scaffold N50 of 16.86 Mb, organized across 19 chromosomes. A total of 16 730 protein-coding genes were identified, with 92.28% functionally annotated. The phylogenetic analysis reveals that D. minowai diverged approximately 103.2 million years ago, preceding all reported genomes of Thripidae species. Comparative genomic analysis identified 12 expanded and 172 contracted gene families of D. minowai, with expanded gene families linked to host plant metabolite processing and detoxification enzymes. Additionally, oligophagous thrips, D. minowai and Stenchaetothrips biformis, possess fewer chemosensory genes (gustatory receptors, odorant receptors, ionotropic receptors, chemosensory proteins, and odorant binding proteins) and detoxification genes (P450s, carboxyl/cholinesterases, UDP-glycosyltransferases) than polyphagous species (Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips palmi). Interestingly, D. minowai exhibits an expansion in ABC transporter families, especially ABCG and ABCC, which is likely essential for detoxifying the high polyphenol content in tea plants. CONCLUSION: This study provides another genome sequence for oligophagous thrips species, which enriches the genomic data for further studies on the evolution, host adaptation, and novel control strategies of thrips. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.