ARS | Publication request: Rosaceae genomics

Submitted to: Journal of Plant Physiology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: May 13, 2008
Publication Date: May 16, 2008
Citation: Shulaev, V., Korban, S.S., Sosinski, B., Abbott, A.G., Aqldwinckle, H.S., Folta, K.M., Iezzoni, A., Main, D., Arus, P., Dandekar, A., Lewers, K.S., Brown, S.K., Davis, T.M., Gardiner, S., Veilleux, R.E. Rosaceae genomics - A multiple model solution. Journal of Plant Physiology. 10.1104/pp.107.115618

Technical Abstract: The plant family Rosaceae consists of over 100 genera and 3,000 species that include many important fruit, nut, ornamental, and wood crops. Members of this family provide high-value nutritional foods and contribute to desirable aesthetic and industrial products. Most crops have been enhanced by human intervention through sexual hybridization, asexual propagation, and genetic improvement since ancient times, 4,000-5,000 B.C. Modern breeding programs have contributed to the selection and release of numerous cultivars having significant economic impact on the U.S. and world market. Recent genomics efforts have been undertaken in a number of representative crops such as apple, peach, and strawberry. Genomic resources, including ESTs, BAC libraries, physical and genetic maps, molecular markers, among others, combined with genetic transformation protocols and bioinformatics tools have rendered various members of the rosaceous crops highly amenable to comparative and functional genomics studies. In recent years the Rosaceae community, both in the U.S. and internationally, has benefited from newfound organization and collaboration, hastening progress in developing genetic and genomic resources. This paper serves as a synopsis of the knowledge and undertakings of the Rosaceae community, the recent developments in Rosaceae genomics and a plan to apply newly discovered principles to breeding and crop improvement.