Functionalizing the Strawberry Genome-A Review

Abstract

A draft sequence of the diploid strawberry was released to the public early in 2011. This milestone was achieved by an international team of experts exploiting the newest advances in sequencing technology and bioinformatics. While an excellent resource, the accomplishment is simply a starting point for creating links between the genes within and the traits they control. The central thrust of many research programs is to now connect genes and traits using a variety of genetic, physiological, and developmental tests. Ultimately, the derivation of the parts list for a strawberry should expand the use of this organism as a system for studying questions important to the industry, as well as expanding our understanding of the basic science of plant physiology and development. This review is a supplement to the recent release of the genome sequence, focusing on the rationale for sequencing a strawberry genome, how it will be put to work, and some of the attributes of strawberry that make it an attractive system to answer questions in plant biology. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.