Project Leader:   
Kermit Ritland

Lead Institution:   
University of British Columbia

Research Funding Program:   
SOF 1

The goal of this project is to explore the genome organization, structure and sequence of two conifer species: white spruce and loblolly pine. To date, no conifer genome sequencing project has been undertaken because the conifer genome is a very large and complex genome (eight times larger than the human genome), and there is a lack of most of the tools needed to enable a whole genome sequencing project of this scope.

Determining how genes are organized in the genome and how gene subsets can be identified is a crucial first step to decide the most effective sequencing strategy for the conifer genome. Once information about the structure of the conifer genome is determined, the researchers will assess the most effective strategy to sequence information-rich regions of the conifer genome.

Finally, traditional sequencing techniques lack the capacity, in an economically feasible manner, to sequence such a large genome as conifers, thus new sequencing methods will be investigated to increase speed and efficiency of genome sequencing. The sequence of the genome provides information useful for molecular breeding of conifers, tailoring future plantings in response to climate changes and improving conifers as a potential feedstock for biofuels.