Abstract
ABSTRACTBackgroundA high-quality reference genome is an essential tool for applied and basic research on arthropods. Long-read sequencing technologies may be used to generate more complete and contiguous genome assemblies than alternate technologies; however, long-read methods have historically had greater input DNA requirements and higher costs than next-generation sequencing, which are barriers to their use on many samples. Here, we present a 2.3 Gb de novo genome assembly of a field-collected adult female spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) using a single Pacific Biosciences SMRT Cell. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species recently discovered in the northeastern United States that threatens to damage economically important crop plants in the region.ResultsThe DNA from 1 individual was used to make 1 standard, size-selected library with an average DNA fragment size of ∼20 kb. The library was run on 1 Sequel II SMRT Cell 8M, generating a total of 132 Gb of long-read sequences, of which 82 Gb were from unique library molecules, representing ∼36× coverage of the genome. The assembly had high contiguity (contig N50 length = 1.5 Mb), completeness, and sequence level accuracy as estimated by conserved gene set analysis (96.8% of conserved genes both complete and without frame shift errors). Furthermore, it was possible to segregate more than half of the diploid genome into the 2 separate haplotypes. The assembly also recovered 2 microbial symbiont genomes known to be associated with L. delicatula, each microbial genome being assembled into a single contig.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that field-collected arthropods can be used for the rapid generation of high-quality genome assemblies, an attractive approach for projects on emerging invasive species, disease vectors, or conservation efforts of endangered species.
Highlights
In September 2014, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), commonly referred to as the Spotted Lanternfly, was first detected in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania
We extracted DNA from a single female L. delicatula collected from the main trunk of Ailanthus altissima in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA (40.33648 N, 75.90471 W) on the 26th of August 2018 (Figure 1)
L. delicatula is known to harbor several endosymbionts in specialized bacteriocytes, predominantly in the distal end of the insect abdomen; to avoid a high proportion of these symbionts in the sequencing, DNA was extracted from the head and thorax regions of the insect only
Summary
In September 2014, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), commonly referred to as the Spotted Lanternfly, was first detected in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania. L. delicatula is a highly polyphagus phloem-feeding insect native to Asia that is documented to feed upon more than 65 plant species [1, 2] Because this insect was an invasive that damaged grape vines and tree fruit in South Korea in the mid-2000s [3, 4], its potential to cause economic damage was known. After it was detected in the U.S, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture established a quarantine zone surrounding the site of first detection. While this pest has huge potential for spread and increased impact, essentially nothing is known at the genomic level about this species or any Fulgorid species, and there is a need to develop resources rapidly for this pest to support development of management and control practices
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
