Genomic Research in Eucalyptus

Abstract

Eucalyptus L'Hérit. is a genus comprised of more than 700 species that is of vital importance ecologically to Australia and to the forestry industry world-wide, being grown in plantations for the production of solid wood products as well as pulp for paper. With the sequencing of the genomes of Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa and the recent completion of the first tree genome sequence, Populus trichocarpa, attention has turned to the current status of genomic research in Eucalyptus. For several eucalypt species, large segregating families have been established, high-resolution genetic maps constructed and large EST databases generated. Collaborative efforts have been initiated for the integration of diverse genomic projects and will provide the framework for future research including exploiting the sequence of the entire eucalypt genome which is currently being sequenced. This review summarises the current position of genomic research in Eucalyptus and discusses the direction of future research.

Progress in Myrtaceae genetics and genomics: Eucalyptus as the pivotal genus

“…Sequencing of ESTs has been carried out either randomly, to generate an index of expressed genes, or has been directed, to discover genes that are selectively expressed typically with a focus on wood formation or abiotic or biotic stresses. Whereas EST databases are a rich resource by themselves, they are even more important when (Grattapaglia et al 2004a), and Arborgen Inc. (USA 218,000 ESTs), (Poke et al 2005)]. A number of EST projects focused on cold stress and wood formation in Eucalyptus.…”

“…Among over 130 genera in the Myrtaceae family, Eucalyptus stands out as the pivotal genus for which genomic resources have been developed and currently represent the bulk of the genomics literature for the family. A number of reviews in the last few years have examined the advances of Eucalyptus genome research including applications to breeding and conservation (Byrne 2008;Grattapaglia and Kirst 2008;Myburg et al 2007;Poke et al 2005;Shepherd and Jones 2004). However, such reviews have not extended to other genera within Myrtaceae that have yet to experience close attention from the tree genetics and genomics community.…”

Genetic diversity and population structure of <i>Prochilodus costatus</i> and <i>Prochilodus argenteus</i> preceding dam construction in the Paraopeba River, São Francisco River Basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…Molecular markers have enabled large-scale population genetics analyses [12] that address important questions in population biology. Assessing genetic variation at a variety of genetic loci, such as random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) and mitochondrial and nuclear sequences [13,14] has a wide range of applications in phylogenetic reconstruction, paternity testing, forensic application, and population genetics [15][16][17][18][19].…”

"Post-genomics" research in Eucalyptus in the near future

“…Research groups in Australia, such as at University of Tasmania, have done very valuable work in this regard and have databases of chloroplast sequences that may be useful for this purpose (Steane 2005;Poke et al 2005Poke et al , 2006.…”