Plant & Animal Genomes XV Conference

January 13-17, 2007
Town & Country Convention Center
San Diego, CA

Towards Effective Deployment Of Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) In Banana Genomics And Sequencing

Andrzej Kilian

  Diversity Arrays Technology Pty Ltd, 1 Wilf Crane Crescent, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600 Australia

The effective utilisation of sequenced crop genomes will significantly depend on the level of integration of sequence information with genetic diversity and genetic mapping information. Such integration is best achieved when carefully planned and supported by high throughput technologies capable of generating data for genomic DNA and cloned genomic fragments (e.g. BACs). Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT), recently developed for the Musa genome, provides such enabling tool for the banana research community, which ventures into genome sequencing project. Initially deployed to whole-genome profiling of large germplasm collections, DArT arrays are now being prepared for banana genetic mapping applications. Sequenced DArT markers can be cheaply and rapidly anchored into BAC contigs, and therefore facilitate construction of high quality physical map of banana genome – a critical step in the sequencing project. The presentation will outline the potential path towards effective utilisation of DArT in genetic and physical mapping applications and will engage the banana research community in the process.