Research progress in lotus (Nelumbo) genetics and molecular biology

Lotus (Nelumbo), a significant aquatic crop in China, possesses considerable ornamental, edible, and medicinal value. Over the past decade, significant progress has been achieved in the domains of genomics, genetics, and molecular biology pertaining to lotus. The reference genomes of two Nelumbo species have been constructed, along with high-density genetic linkage maps. Furthermore, various studies have explored the molecular mechanisms of ornamental traits (flower color, flowering time, and flower type), food quality (seed and rhizome nutrients), medicinal components (alkaloids and flavonoids), and stress responses (flooding, low temperature, low light, heavy metals, and salinity) of lotus. In this paper, the genome sequencing, genetic mapping, gene mining, and functional analysis of important traits in lotus are systematically reviewed. Potential goals and future directions are also discussed to provide a reference for research and genetic improvement of lotus.