Genome Resequencing in Populus: Revealing Large-Scale Genome Variation and Implications on Specialized-Trait Genomics

Abstract

To date, Populus ranks among a few plant species with complete genome sequences and other highly developed genomic resources. With the fi rst reference genome among all tree species, Populus has been adopted as a suitable model organism for genomic studies in trees. However, far from being just a model species, Populus is a key renewable resource that plays a signifi cant role in providing raw materials for the biofuel and pulp and paper industries. Therefore, aside from leading frontiers of basic tree molecular biology and ecological research, Populus leads frontiers in addressing global economic challenges related to fuel and fi ber production. The latter fact suggests that research aimed at improving quality and quantity of Populus as a raw material will likely drive the pursuit of more targeted and deeper research in order to unlock the economic potential tied in biological processes that drive this tree species. Advances in genome sequence-driven technologies, such as resequencing individual genotypes, which in turn facilitates large scale SNP discovery and identifi cation of large scale polymorphisms are key determinants of future success in these initiatives. In this treatise we discuss implications of genome sequence-enable technologies on Populus genomic and genetic studies of complex and specialized traits.

Acceleration of Forest and Fruit Tree Domestication by Genomic Selection

“…With the transition to next-generation sequencing technologies, the cost of DNA sequencing has fallen dramatically since 2008 (Wetterstrand, 2015). This advance has made it possible to sequence whole genomes of several forest trees in recent years (Birol et al, 2013;Muchero, Labbé, Ranjan, DiFazio, & Tuskan, 2014;Myburg et al, 2011;Neale et al, 2014;Nystedt et al, 2013). The first draft assembly of loblolly pine was released in 2014 .…”