Genomic and population genomic analyses reveal contrasting diversity and demographic histories in a critically endangered and a widespread <i>Oreocharis</i> species.

ABSTRACT: Preserving genetic diversity is crucial for the long-term survival of wild plant species, yet many remain at risk of genetic erosion due to small population sizes and habitat fragmentation. Here, we present a comparative genomic study of the critically endangered Oreocharis esquirolii (Gesneriaceae) and its widespread congener O. maximowiczii. We assembled and annotated chromosome-level reference genomes for both species and generated whole-genome resequencing data from 28 O. esquirolii and 79 O. maximowiczii individuals. Our analyses reveal substantially lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding in O. esquirolii, despite its overall reduced mutational burden. Notably, O. esquirolii exhibits an elevated proportion of strongly deleterious mutati

SUBMITTER: Peng N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12496536 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature