Chromosome-level genome and annotation of the tetraploid Rhodiola kirilowii

Rhodiola kirilowii, a perennial medical herb native to China, is highly valued for its detoxification and anti-swelling properties, as well as its role as an adaptogen, making it an intriguing subject for understanding its medicinal potential and molecular biochemistry. In this study, we generated a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of R. kirilowii achieved through a combination of Illumina short-read sequencing, PacBio long-read sequencing, and Hi-C sequencing techniques. The final assembly spans 1.92 Gb, including 40 homoeologous chromosomes and one sex chromosome, with a scaffold NG50 of 46.03 Mb, and a BUSCO completeness of 98.9%. Additionally, we annotated a total of 1.23 Gb of repetitive sequences, encompassing 63.88% of the entire genome, and identified 122,035 protein-coding genes. Each sub-genome achieved similar completeness and continuity. This high-quality reference genome provides critical insights into the genetic underpinnings of R. kirilowii's pharmacological properties, facilitating comparative genomics and the enhancement of its medicinal applications.