Sugarcane genome sequencing and genetic mapping

Description

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is one of the most important crops for producing sugar and bioethanol, and breeding for superior sugarcane cultivars would benefit significantly from available genetic and genomic resources. This chapter explains the difficulties of sequencing and mapping the genome of sugarcane and strategies to overcome these difficulties. The chapter outlines progress on sugarcane sequencing, genetic mapping of simply inherited and complex traits. The chapter then focuses on the mapping of a gene controlling sugarcane brown rust resistance, Bru1, which exemplifies the concepts of marker-assisted selection. Finally, the chapter discusses prospects for future research in sugarcane genome sequencing and genetic mapping.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Sequencing sugarcane genomes 3 Genetic linkage mapping 4 Mapping simply inherited and complex traits 5 Applications of the Bru1 marker 6 Conclusion and future trends 7 Where to look for further information 8 References