The study produced a chromosome-level genome assembly (544.7 Mb) for the wild rose Rosa lucieae and identified gene duplications and rapidly evolving stress‑response gene families likely underpinning its salt tolerance. Comparative analyses highlighted recent duplications and divergence of genes involved in stress signaling, homeostasis, and detoxification, providing a genomic resource for rose breeding.

The study investigated unexpected leaf spot symptoms in Psa3‑resistant kiwifruit (Actinidia) germplasm, finding that Psa3 was detectable by qPCR and metabarcoding despite poor culturing. Metabarcoding revealed distinct bacterial community shifts in lesions versus healthy tissue, and whole‑genome sequencing identified diverse Pseudomonas spp. that, while not individually more pathogenic, could enhance Psa3 growth, suggesting pathogenic consortia on resistant hosts.