Pan-genome and phylogenomic analyses highlight Hevea species delineation and rubber trait evolution

Abstract

The para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is the world’s sole commercial source of natural rubber, a vital industrial raw material. However, the narrow genetic diversity of this crop poses challenges for rubber breeding. Here, we generate high-quality de novo genome assemblies for three H. brasiliensis cultivars, two H. brasiliensis wild accessions, and three other Hevea species (H. nitida, H. pauciflora, and H. benthamiana). Through analyzing genomes of 94 Hevea accessions, we identify five distinct lineages that do not align with their previous species delineations. We discover multiple accessions with hybrid origins between these lineages, indicating incomplete reproductive isolation between them. Only two out of four wild lineages have been introduced to commercial rubber cultivars. Furthermore, we reveal that the rubber production traits emerged following the development of a large REF/SRPP gene cluster and its functional specialization in rubber-producing laticifers within this genus. These findings would enhance rubber breeding and benefit research communities.