Chromosome‐level genome assembly of the endangered Magnolia sinostellata : Insights into genome evolution, cold stress resistance, and terpenoid biosynthesis

Abstract The genus Magnolia belongs to Magnoliaceae, an early diverging lineage of the Magnoliales, and is cultivated globally for its high ornamental and commercial values. As a large genus in the family Magnoliaceae, Magnolia species are regarded as highly valuable in phylogenetic and conservation biological studies. However, the whole genome data of Magnolia is still relatively insufficient. Here, we present a high‐quality, chromosome‐level genome sequence of Magnolia sinostellata (1.86 Gb) with a scaffold N50 of 85.33 Mb. The 19 M. sinostellata genome chromosomes revealed 11 main duplications representing the subgenome. Comparative genomics analysis revealed that the variance in the number of abiotic stress resistance genes among Magnoliid species are related to different environmental adaptations. Most of the genes related to MAPK signaling and stress resistance pathways in the investigated M. sinostellata species are expanded, compared to the other species. Furthermore, the comparative genomics analysis of three Magnolia assemblies, M. sinostellata , Magnolia biondii , and Magnolia sieboldii revealed that large inversions were enriched in terpenoid metabolic pathways, stress resistance and flavonoid biosynthesis, and DNA replication proteins. Using transcriptome sequencing data, we analyzed the expression levels of genes related to terpenoid biosynthesis (terpene synthase) and ICE – CBF – COR gene models related to cold tolerance in various tissues and the buds under different temperature conditions. The high‐quality assembly of M. sinostellata and the ICE – CBF – COR bioinformatic analysis cascade provide valuable resources for studying the phylogeny and evolution of Magnoliaceae and angiosperms, while the candidate genes will provide foundational support for molecular breeding in Magnolia species.