WSU Sequences Genomes of Four Crops

Washington State University (WSU) scientists have sequenced the genomes of four new Rosaceae crop families, including the Comice pear, Golden Delicious apple, Stella sweet cherry, and two varieties of almonds. Amit Dhingra, horticultural geneticist at WSU, led the team of researchers in the sequencing work. The results of their project will provide researchers with a better understanding of the Rosaceae family and will be used to address challenges that fruit-tree growers and producers face from pests, drought, a plant's stress response and lack of nutrients.

The new set of information gives light on biochemical regulation pathways for disease resistance, ways of protecting the food supply from environmental conditions and understanding the fruit ripening process, and further help scientists understand how the fruits' functions have evolved.