High‐quality chromosome‐level genome assembly and multi‐omics analysis of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) reveals new insights into the environmental and genome adaptation

Summary High‐quality genome of rosemary ( Salvia rosmarinus ) represents a valuable resource and tool for understanding genome evolution and environmental adaptation as well as its genetic improvement. However, the existing rosemary genome did not provide insights into the relationship between antioxidant components and environmental adaptability. In this study, by employing Nanopore sequencing and Hi‐C technologies, a total of 1.17 Gb (97.96%) genome sequences were mapped to 12 chromosomes with 46 121 protein‐coding genes and 1265 non‐coding RNA genes. Comparative genome analysis reveals that rosemary had a closely genetic relationship with Salvia splendens and Salvia miltiorrhiza , and it diverged from them approximately 33.7 million years ago (MYA), and one whole‐genome duplication occurred around 28.3 MYA in rosemary genome. Among all identified rosemary genes, 1918 gene families were expanded, 35 of which are involved in the biosynthesis of antioxidant components. These expanded gene families enhance the ability of rosemary adaptation to adverse environments. Multi‐omics (integrated transcriptome and metabolome) analysis showed the tissue‐specific distribution of antioxidant components related to environmental adaptation. During the drought, heat and salt stress treatments, 36 genes in the biosynthesis pathways of carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid and flavonoids were up‐regulated, illustrating the important role of these antioxidant components in responding to abiotic stresses by adjusting ROS homeostasis. Moreover, cooperating with the photosynthesis, substance and energy metabolism, protein and ion balance, the collaborative system maintained cell stability and improved the ability of rosemary against harsh environment. This study provides a genomic data platform for gene discovery and precision breeding in rosemary. Our results also provide new insights into the adaptive evolution of rosemary and the contribution of antioxidant components in resistance to harsh environments.