Project Number: 1275-21000-180-15
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Nov 26, 2008
End Date: Aug 31, 2011

Objective:
Develop and make available genomic tools for the improvement of blueberry.

Approach:
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 blueberry, have been organized. 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; and (4) Delivering research results and training in molecular breeding to the industry, breeders, and students through a multifaceted Outreach Program.