AVITI as an alternative to Illumina for low-cost genome-wide genotyping

Advancements in sequencing technologies have dramatically transformed genomics research by enabling the analysis of genetic information with unprecedented scale and efficiency. Next-generation sequencing, renowned for its high-throughput capabilities, has significantly reduced costs and expanded the scope of sequencing applications. Among these, sequencing by synthesis on Illumina systems is predominant, favored for its accuracy and cost-effectiveness. However, emerging technologies like Element Biosciences’ sequencing by Avidity (AVITI) are beginning to challenge this dominance. In this study, we sequenced and genotyped a library of 40 Cannabis samples using both the AVITI and Illumina NovaSeq systems. After filtering out low-quality variants, both technologies showed an 81.2% overlap with 98.9% concordance in genotype calls. AVITI stands out for its flexibility and reduced per-base costs, presenting a viable option particularly for mid-sized laboratories. As the scientific community continues to seek ways to lower genotyping expenses, the combination of the AVITI system with NanoGBS library preparation offers a cost-effective solution adaptable to a wide range of project sizes.