A reference genome for Colusa grass, Neostapfia colusana, a threatened and endangered California vernal pool plant
This study presents the first reference genome for Colusa grass (Neostapfia colusana), an endangered vernal pool plant in California. The genome supports research on genetic diversity, gene flow, and conservation strategies to protect remaining populations and restore threatened habitats.
Subject Tags
- Biodiversity
- Habitat restoration
Abstract
Colusa grass, Neostapfia colusana, is a listed California endangered plant endemic to the vernal pools of California. Vernal pool habitat is highly degraded and threatened by further anthropological development, with only 10% of its historical range remaining. With only 42 confirmed extant populations, it is a major conservation concern to understand patterns of genomic diversity. Here we report the first complete genome assembly of Colusa grass. The assembly includes two haplotypes: haplotype one spans 2.13 Gb with contig N50 of 10.62 Mb, scaffold N50 of 112.31 Mb, and BUSCO completeness of 98.1%. Haplotype two spans 2.04 Gb with contig N50 of 10.05 Mb and scaffold N50 of 138.31 Mb, with a BUSCO completeness of 97.6%. This genome assembly will allow for in-depth analysis of genomic variation and gene flow in populations of this threatened grass and will be a major asset to studies supporting its conservation. This genome was assembled as part of the California Conservation Genomics Project, which contributes to a collection of resources and tools to support state-wide conservation efforts.
Citation
Pennington, L. K., Escalona, M., J Toews, D., Chumchim, N., Cooper, R., Fairbairn, C. W., ... & Sexton, J. P. (2026). A reference genome for Colusa grass, Neostapfia colusana, a threatened and endangered California vernal pool plant. Journal of Heredity, 117(3), 459-468.
TNC Authors
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Daniel J. Toews
Strategic Restoration Project Manager. California
The Nature Conservancy
Email: daniel.toews@tnc.org