In the absence of a
conifer genome sequence, and in light of this putative synteny, comparative
genomics becomes an important tool for integrating information across the
Pinaceae. Among conifers, the largest
effort in genetics and genomics has been devoted to loblolly pine, with large
EST collections, rich genetic resources, and well developed genetic and QTL
maps. Species of spruce rank second,
largely because of Genome Canada
funded projects. Loblolly pine and
spruce bridge the pine family. Besides
reinforcing each other, joint genomic patterns in these two species might
enable extension and integration of such genomic knowledge into other species;
particularly lodge pole pine and Douglas-fir.
Differences among
genotypes, populations, and transfer of genomic information between spruce and
pine will further advance knowledge about defense mechanisms. We are pursuing these differences by means of:
- identification of candidate genes for
resistance, verification and re-sequencing;
- QTL and association studies of
resistance;
- mapping of gene expression profiles in families segregating for
weevil resistance;
- detection of unusual evolutionary patterns among species
(spruce-pine, spruce-Arabidopsis) in candidate genes;
- characterization of synteny between loblolly pine both a the genetic map level
and at the sequence level (using BACs).