Wild Chinese Yam Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly

A chromosome-level genome assembly for the wild Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita), a perennial vine endemic to East Asia. The dataset was authored by Huijun Wang and published on figshare in April 2026. It provides a foundational genetic resource for a species valued as both a food source and in traditional medicine.

Use Cases

• Comparative genomics analysis using the assembled chromosome sequences against other Dioscorea species.
• Identification of candidate genes related to tuber development or medicinal compound biosynthesis from the genomic features.
• Phylogenetic placement of Dioscorea opposita based on its whole-genome sequence data.
• Development of molecular markers for breeding programs using the genome's SNP and structural variant data.

Strengths

• Chromosome-level assembly provides a high-contiguity genomic resource.
• Dataset is openly available under a CC-BY-4.0 license.

Limitations

• Sample size is limited to a single genome assembly from one wild specimen.
• Lack of accompanying functional annotation or gene expression data limits immediate biological interpretation.
• Geographic origin and specific cultivar/variety of the sequenced specimen are not specified.

Provenance

Source

Huijun Wang via figshare.

Collection Method

Genome sequencing and assembly, methodology details not provided in input.

Freshness

Last updated in April 2026.

Geography

Species is endemic to East Asia; specific collection location is unknown.