Project Number: 1275-21000-180-08
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2008
End Date: Sep 30, 2011

Objective:
The overall objective of this proposal is to develop and make available genomic tools for the improvement of blueberry.

Approach:
We have organized a diverse team of researchers (from genomicists to traditional breeders) who have been an integral part of laying the foundation for genomic research and breeding nationwide in this family. Three ARS locations (GIFVL, Beltsville, MD; NCGR, Corvallis, OR; HCRL, Corvallis, OR) and three university locations (University of Maine, Michigan State University, and Towson University) will be involved. We have selected the most economically important fruit crop within this family on which to focus, blueberry. The team¿s goals are: (1) Deeper sequencing of the transcriptome, including generating approximately 40,000 more Expressed Sequence Tags or ESTs from blueberry; (2) Using the newly generated ESTs to develop more EST-PCR and EST-SSR markers; (3) Using the markers in specific, well-defined mapping and genetic relationship studies of blueberry to identify markers associated with important horticultural traits; (4) Delivering research results and training in molecular breeding to the industry, breeders, and students through a multifaceted Out Reach Program. Specialty Crops Research Initiative.