PEACH GENOMICS

¹ Dept. of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-1903

² USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station, 45 Wiltshire Rd., Kearneysville, WV 25430

For genome comparative studies and the identification of important genes in any plant family, it is critical to have adequate physical genomic resources in a key model species. These resources exist for the Brassicaceae (Arabidopsis), Solanaceae (tomato) and the Poaceae (rice), however, not for Rosaceae. In the past, we thought that one key species, such as Arabidopsis or rice, could serve to provide all the important genes and genomic information necessary to assist genetic improvement of all plant species. It is now evident, that although these models provide a wealth of genomic information, they are not completely applicable across great evolutionary distances. In Rosaceae genomics, we are now in the unique position to have substantial genomic resources in a tree species (peach) with a genome size only twice that of Arabidopsis. With the development of physical genomic tools in this species, we can quickly determine the extent of the Arabidopsis database that is useful for genomic studies in Rosaceae. In addition, physical maps will also provide direct access of the Arabidopsis database for the identification of important genes (eg. pest resistance, fruit quality) in this diverse and important family. We have initiated high resolution comparative studies between peach, Arabidopsis and other species with the goal of determining the level of preservation of gene repertoire and order in specific genomic regions. Results of these studies are presented as well as data addressing the applicability of peach genomic resources to fundamental studies and crop improvement in peach and other Rosaceae species.