A T2T reference genome and haplotype-resolved assembly of cultivar ‘Guozhixian’ for future apricot breeding

Apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) are valued for their flavor and appearance. Recent advancements have enabled the first Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) genome assembly for the hybrid cultivar P. armeniaca L. 'Guozhixian (GZX)', derived from 'Sungold' (Western) and 'Chuanzhihong' (Eastern). The high-quality T2T genome assembly is 253.5 Mb in length with an N50 contig size of 31 Mb. Its completeness, assessed using BUSCO, is 98.9%. This assembly surpasses its parent genomes, filling all gaps-unlike 'Chuanzhihong' (262 gaps) and 'Sungold' (172 gaps)-and fully resolves telomeres and centromeres. The haplotype-resolved genomes provide a comprehensive genetic blueprint, unlocking deeper insights into apricot biology. This resource will enhance the study of inherited traits and facilitate precision breeding strategies to develop superior cultivars. The T2T genome marks a major milestone in apricot genomics, overcoming previous challenges posed by the genome's size and complexity.