Draft genome of the Crimson rosella (Platycercus elegans elegans), an Australian parrot and key resource for the study of host-pathogen interaction in Psittaciformes

The Crimson rosella (Platycercus elegans) is a common parrot of Australia, and most individuals are infected with Beak and Feather Disease Virus (BFDV). In other parrot species, the virus can cause feather loss, beak deformities, immune suppression and mortality. All parrots globally are considered susceptible to the virus and thus there are sizable conservation benefits from better understanding of its host-pathogen interactions and evolution, particularly because parrots are already among the most threatened bird taxa globally. The draft genome reported here is both a valuable scientific resource for the study of evolution and adaptation in parrots, and more broadly, a resource for avian conservation, by facilitating the study of host-pathogen interactions from a genomic perspective. The draft reference genome of the Crimson rosella is 1.08 Gb with a scaffold N50 of 5.44 Mb. BUSCO analysis shows 96% completeness. The genome’s repeat landscape is similar to that of other Psittaciformes, but resembles more to the Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) rather than its closest relative, the Pale-headed rosella (Platycercus adscitus). We used the Crimson rosella reference genome to explore MHC and TOLL genes using chicken protein sequences as a guide, offering insights for comparative immune gene studies.