Plant, Animal & Microbe Genomes X Conference

January 12-16, 2002
Town & Country Convention Center
San Diego, CA

Poster: Genome Sequencing & ESTs
            

LIGNOME: THE FRENCH FOREST TREE GENOMICS INITIATIVE

¹ INRA, Equipe de Genetique et Amelioration des Arbres Forestiers, BP 45, 33610 Pierroton, France

² UMR INRA-UHP

³ INRA, Unité Amelioration, Genetique et Physiologie Forestieres, BP 20619 Ardon, 45166 Olivet, France

In 2001 INRA launched the LIGNOME projects to introduce the new tools of genomic science in perennial plants : forest trees, fruit trees and grape. Here we describe the forestry component of this project. It focuses on three species (pine, poplar and oak) selected for their great importance in the French forestry-wood chain. Application of genomic sciences in these long-lived organisms will improve our understanding of their unique biology and will accelerate the discovery of genes controlling economically and ecologically important traits. Application of these technologies are expected to increase selection efficiency and/or reduce the time and costs associated with measuring such traits, as well as to improve the management of forest tree resources.