(Text by LI Xiaodong, xdli@qdio.ac.cn)
My research journey in the field of economic seaweeds, particularly kelp and wakame, began with a fascination for developing new high-yielding strains and their economic significance, especially in China, where these species are key to aquaculture. Over the years, I have been deeply involved in genetic breeding, aiming to meet the growing demand for these algae. This work involves leading significant breeding efforts and contributing to the development of genetic resources for better breeding programs.
One of the challenges I have faced in this field is the difficulty in obtaining high-quality genomic data. Kelp, rich in polysaccharides like alginate, is notorious for its tough DNA extraction, which complicates sequencing and assembly efforts. Traditional breeding and hybridization have led to improvements, but without a complete genome, further advances were hindered. To overcome this, our team introduced a pioneering approach: using parthenogenetic techniques to produce a homozygous diploid female sporophyte. This allowed us to assemble a chromosome-level genome with unparalleled accuracy.
This breakthrough, the result of combining PacBio HiFi, Illumina short reads, and Hi-C data, has provided us with a complete and continuous genome assembly, anchoring 96.15% of the sequences to 32 chromosomes. The assembled genome has revealed over 17,000 protein-coding genes, a wealth of functional annotations, and critical insights into the genetics of kelp. This resource is pivotal for improving molecular breeding strategies and enhancing the sustainability of kelp farming.
In addition to this, I have been actively engaged in the genetic assessment and phenotypic evaluation of seaweed strains across key production regions in China, including Shandong, Fujian, and Liaoning. These efforts have led to the cultivation of new strains on nearly 90,000 hectares, contributing to a direct economic output of over 4.5 billion yuan between 2018 and 2024.
Beyond genetics, our team has also pioneered the cultivation of warm-water economic seaweeds like wakame in subtropical regions, a project that saw great success in Fujian. We are now focused on advancing breeding programs to improve productivity in aquaculture.
As a researcher with over 10 years of experience in kelp genomics and breeding, I have always sought to merge basic scientific research with practical applications. My future work will continue to explore new genetic tools and breeding techniques, aiming to push the boundaries of sustainable aquaculture while preserving the biodiversity of marine ecosystems.
For more information:
LI Xiaodong
Seaweed Culture Collection Center, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Tel: +86 0532-82898567
E-mail: xdli@qdio.ac.cn
Homepage: www.caslivealgae.com
(Editor: ZHANG Yiyi)