Draft genome sequence of Kei apple, an underutilized African tree crop

To address food and nutrition security in the face of burgeoning global populations and erratic climatic conditions there is a need to include nutrient dense, climatic resilient but neglected indigenous fruit trees in agrifood systems. Here we present the draft genome sequence of Kei Apple, Dovyalis afra, a neglected indigenous African fruit tree with untapped potential to contribute to nutrient security and improved livelihoods. Our long-read-based genome assembly comprises 440 Mbp sequence across 1190 contigs with a N50 and L50 of 13.3 Mbp and 11, respectively. We also annotated the genome and identified 27,449 protein-coding genes. Our genome assembly provides a valuable resource for unlocking the food security and nutraceutical potential of Kei apple.


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Authors

Kariba, R.,Waweru, B.,Njaci, I.,Banda, L.,Mwangi, J.W.,Harimanantsoa, A.,Muthemba, S.,Featherstone, J.,Hendre, P.,Jamnadass, R.,Van Deynze, A.,Domelevo Entfellner, J-B.,Shorinola, O.

Publication year

2025

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