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The
Public Seed Initiative is the outreach component of a larger grant that
deals with building genomic resources for peppers (Capsicum spp.)
Three research objectives:
- Creating a genetic map of pepper using
molecular markers. There markers are known as “high-throughput” markers
which allow us to process a large number of pepper DNA very rapidly.
Through various collaborations, in both the public and private
sector, we have obtained a large set of these markers. Once the
map is completed,
it will be put in the public domain, which will facilitate public
access to critical tools when attempting to breed peppers and/or
evaluate
genetic diversity within the Capsicum genus. We are also supporting
two additional projects for the development of markers associated
with resistance to two major production problems in pepper, Meloidogyne (root knot nematode) and Phythophthora capsici.
- Progressing towards an in-depth, detailed comparison of DNA
sequences from two resistance gene clusters, one in potato and one
in pepper. We
have found that within three major crops of the Solanaceae family
(pepper, tomato and potato) disease resistance genes occur at the
same position
on the corresponding genetic maps.
- Understanding the genetic basis for the differences observed
between a tomato and a pepper. This study focuses on defining
the differences
in patterns of gene expression and protein composition through
fruit development.
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