Open access to tree genomes: the path to a better forest

David B Neale,Steven L Salzberg,Jill L Wegrzyn,Charles H Langley

doi:10.1186/gb-2013-14-6-120

David B Neale, Steven L Salzberg + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/gb-2013-14-6-120

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Abstract

Highlights

An open-access culture and a well-developed comparative-genomics infrastructure must be developed in forest trees to derive the full potential of genome sequencing in this diverse group of plants that are the dominant species in much of the earth’s terrestrial ecosystems
In earlier articles [1,2], we argued that the great diversity of forest trees found in both the undomesticated and domesticated state provides an excellent opportunity to understand the molecular basis of adaptation in plants and that comparative-genomic approaches will greatly facilitate discovery and understanding
Complete genome sequencing has been slow to advance in forest trees owing to funding limitations and the large size of conifer genomes

Summary

Introduction

An open-access culture and a well-developed comparative-genomics infrastructure must be developed in forest trees to derive the full potential of genome sequencing in this diverse group of plants that are the dominant species in much of the earth’s terrestrial ecosystems. We identified several priority research areas towards realizing these goals (Box 1), such as establishing reference genome sequences for important tree species, determining how to apply sequencing technologies to understand adaptation, and developing resources for storing and accessing forestry data. Completed and current genome-sequencing projects in forest trees are limited to about 25 species from just 4 of more than 100 families: Pinaceae (pines, spruces and firs), Salicaceae (poplars and willows), Myrtaceae (eucalyptus) and Fagaceae (oaks, chestnuts and beeches).

Results

Conclusion