2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective is to physically map and sequence the barley gene space, with the near-term need being the identification of the remainder of approximately 50,000 genes, including the 5' and 3' regulatory regions, and the long-term goal being an ordered physical map linked to the genetic map to accelerate crop improvement. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The barley genome will be sequenced by an incremental approach that relies on strategies utilized with other large genomes. In brief: a BAC-based high information content fingerprint (HICF) physical map will form the foundation. Genomic Survey Sequencing (GSS) will provide a resource for further large-scale marker development and enhance anchoring the physical and genetic maps. BAC end sequences (BES), accumulated during GSS, will serve as sequence tagged connectors (STC) for supporting and facilitating local contig extension. Starting from these, the consortium will focus its efforts to advance the physical maps of all chromosomes. Chromosomal regions harboring important traits and regions selected for the study of cross-Triticeae genome dynamics and grass genome colinearity will be emphasized. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding between ARS and The Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Gatersleben, Germany. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project #3625-21000-049-00D, Functional Genomics of Cereal Disease Defense. The International Barley Sequencing Consortium (IBSC), including the U.S., Germany, UK, Finland, Australia, and Japan (http://barleygenome.org/) was formalized at the 18th annual International Triticeae Mapping Initiative (ITMI) workshop (Victor Harbor, Australia; August 27–31, 2006). The priority near-term need of community is the identification of the remainder of approximately 50,000 genes, including the 5' and 3' regulatory regions, and the longer-term goal an ordered physical map anchored to the genetic map to accelerate crop improvement. In 2007, presentations were made at the Plant and Animal Genome Conference in San Diego, California and The Aaronsohn-ITMI Conference in Israel. A website was established to post the activities, related projects, and minutes of the IBSC business meetings at http://barleygenome.org/. A White Paper entitled "A Coordinated Strategy for Sequence Analysis of the Barley Genome (Hordeum vulgare)" and the IBSC Mission Statement were posted on the IBSC web page. Research objectives and proper use of Agency financial resources were monitored through bi-annual IBSC business meetings among project personnel and the ADODR.