Comparative transcriptomics provides a new possibility to analysis Lilium germplasm resources in Midwestern China

Midwestern China is a center of the natural distribution and diversity of the genus Lilium . In this study, we analyzed the relationship of this diversity to the geographical environment and plant morphologic parameters. Using comparative transcriptomics, we analyzed the genetic relationships among 11 Lilium species in Midwestern China and differences in homologous genes. We found that elevation was a major factor that affected the morphological characteristics of the 11 species, but that moisture (total annual precipitation and mean annual relative humidity) was also significant. In addition, we found 31 homologous genes in these species and developed a phylogenetic tree based on orthologous genes. This tree differed from the one created using morphological classification results. We also identified a series of positive selection genes related to Lilium stress resistance and growth. The results obtained from this study can provide a reference for the molecular study of Lilium germplasm resources to support breeding programs.