Towards developing a reference genome sequence of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

For assembling the draft genome sequence of pearl millet, Tift23D₂B₁ inbred line has been chosen_. Four small-insert libraries (170 to 800 bp), two large insert libraries (2Kb and 5Kb) and two BAC libraries using EcoRI and HindIII were constructed. Using whole genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) 447.17 Gb raw data was generated. In the first instance, 299.20 Gb clean data was used for de novo genome assembly. K-mer analysis of sequence data indicated genome size as 1.76 Gbp. The first version of genome assembly capturing 1.5 Gb has been defined based on exclusively WGS data. An intermediate genome assembly after integrating sequence data from BACs has been developed that represents improved contig N50 (~16 Kb) and scaffold N50 (~124 Kb) compared to the WGS assembly. Final version of genome assembly will be presented that is being developed after integrating sequence data of all targeted WGS, PACBio data (2 Gbp)  BACs, complete sequence of several BACs generated earlier and the consensus genetic map. Genome features such as gene prediction and annotation as well as genome comparison with other sequenced cereal genomes. Re-sequence data being generated on >500 pearl millet germplasm lines and extensive haplotype map (hapmap) based on these data will also be presented. In brief, these resources should serve as a strong foundation for accelerating molecular breeding in pearl millet across the world.