Page History

Image Added

...

Identifying genomic resources against pests and pathogens in tree genera: a case study in Fraxinus

Led by Dr Richard Buggs, Queen Mary, University of London

...

Project website http://www.ashgenome.org/

This project is in partnership with Forest Research and University of Oxford (project participants).

Specific objectives (edited for this web site):

1. To develop a new approach for identifying genes and alleles conferring reduced susceptibility to tree pests and pathogens, using phylogenomic information derived from the whole genus of Fraxinus (ash) a tree species that is at threat. This approach will exploit new DNA sequencing technologies and apply the latest methods in phylogenomics, pioneered by co-PI Rossiter. Fraxinus (ash) faces two major threats, and preliminary evidence shows resistance to both threats to have evolved in parallel more than once in the genus. We will sequence and assemble the genome of every species in the genus Fraxinus for which we can obtain living material (35 species), except F. excelsior (already being sequenced). The genome  assemblies will be places in a multigenome alignment representing the pan-genome of the genus Fraxinus. A set of candidate genes and alleles for reduced susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer and ash dieback will be identified in relation to species susceptibilities. A set of recommendations about how genes and alleles for low resistance to ash dieback and EAB can be implemented in UK contexts.

...

6. To strengthen the UK skills base in tree health.This project is in partnership with Forest Research and University of Oxford (project participants).

Further Information