New insights into genome assembly at the chromosome‐level of <i>Prunus tomentosa</i> in evolution and cold tolerance

This study assembled a high-quality chromosome-level genome of <i>Prunus tomentosa</i>, offering a vital resource for elucidating its genetic architecture, evolutionary relationships, and facilitating genome-assisted breeding efforts. Multi-omics integration revealed <i>PtIMP3</i> and <i>PtMIOX1L</i> as key factors in cold tolerance of <i>P. tomentosa</i>. <i>PtIMP3</i> drives the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate to <i>myo</i>-inositol, while <i>PtMIOX1L</i> catalyzes <i>myo</i>-inositol to d-glucuronic acid. Specifically, the high expression abundance of <i>PtIMP3</i> and low expression abundance of <i>PtMIOX1L</i> resulted in high endogenous inositol levels in <i>P. tomentosa</i>. The application of <i>myo</i>-inositol enhanced the cold tolerance of cherry rootstocks by modulating reactive oxygen species concentrations and maintaining a stable relative water content. This finding supports the superior performance of <i>P. tomentosa</i> in adapting to extreme low-temperatures environmental conditions. These insights advance strategies for improving cold tolerance in horticultural crops, bridging fundamental research with practical applications in developing climate-resilient crops.