The Genome Sequence of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand 1924
| Authors: | Bryan M T Brunet, Dustin T Dial, Gaelen R Burke, Carol D von Dohlen, Julia Douglas Freitas, Haley Sanderson, Afiya R Chida, Samantha J Jones, Fergal J Martin, Leanne Haggerty, Stephen W Scherer, Ioannis Ragoussis, Steven J M Jones, Robert G Foottit, Nathan P. P. Havill |
| Year: | 2025 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evaf170 |
| Source: | Genome Biology and Evolution |
Abstract
The genome of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is presented in 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules along with 132 unplaced scaffolds for a combined length of 216.56 Mb. The genome is highly contiguous with an N50 of 20.54 Mb and its longest scaffold 37.41 Mb in length. The assembly recovered 97.7% of benchmarked universal single-copy Hemiptera orthologs (BUSCO) with an overall completion score of 98.6%. On the basis of chromosomal synteny with other aphid genomes, the hemlock woolly adelgid's genome is composed of eight autosomes and two sex (X) chromosomes. Annotation of the assembly identified 11,800 coding genes, 1,930 noncoding genes, and 20,403 mRNA transcripts. The mitogenome is also presented in a single, annotated, circular contig 25,980 bases in length.
A chromosome-scale genome assembly is currently lacking for the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, despite the fact that it is one of eastern North America’s most destructive and invasive forest pests. Here, we use a combination of sequencing technologies to assemble the first chromosome-length genome for this species and the Adelgidae. We also identify its sex determination system through comparisons of chromosomal synteny with other aphids and assemble its mitogenome, the largest among adelgids sequenced thus far. These important genomic resources will help to facilitate investigation of the genetic basis of life history traits that allows this species to exploit new areas.