Genomic insights into Paspalum vaginatum: Mitochondrial and chloroplast genome mapping, evolutionary insights, and organelle-nucleus communication

Paspalum vaginatum, valued for its salt tolerance, is a vital species in the turfgrass and agricultural industries. Despite its significance, there are still gaps in its genetic composition, particularly in the mitochondrial (mtDNA) and chloroplast (cpDNA) genomes. Our study aimed to fill these knowledge gaps by investigating the evolutionary relationships within the paspalum family and examining the functions of organelle-encoded genes as well as the critical role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in organelle-nucleus communication. By genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation, we determined 504,515 bp of P. vaginatum mtDNA and 140,483 bp of its cpDNA. Comparative analyses with other Paspalum species and major crops highlight the intricate evolutionary dynamics and varying levels of genetic relatedness observed across different organelle genomes. The complex response of organelle gene expression to salt stress in this study will aid in understanding the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary trajectories of P. vaginatum organelle genomes.