Brazilian researchers sequenced genome of 10 citrus varieties
Date:06-27-2014
Brazilian researchers from the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC) and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (Embrapa) have sequenced the genome of the ten foremost varieties of citrus, in partnership with scientists from the United States, France, Italy, and Spain.
The low genetic diversity of citrus make it vulnerable to diseases that rapidly spread throughout the producing regions, including the notorious huanglongbing HLB.
IAC researcher Marcos Antonio Machado commented "This is a result of what has been followed for several years for all the international community that work on citrus research. It is a landmark in the history of citrus research"
Developed in January of 2009, genome sequences of ten citrus varieties has been analyzed and compared, including oranges, grapefruit and tangerines.
"The expectation is that we have a better understanding of the processes that lead to HLB and able to control it. But still have nothing 'concrete' for tomorrow. Genome is ultimately, and this information is only valuable if it can be used, "said the researcher about the importance of knowledge continue to be exploited until technologies can be adopted by the manufacturing sector.
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