Barley Genome Sequencing and Assembly—A First Version Reference Sequence

Abstract

A reference sequence of the barley genome—some 12 years ago—this goal seemed unrealistic to achieve based on the available technology. Still, a group of international barley scientists developed a vision of how such a resource could be developed by joint efforts and by revisiting once established strategies against new possibilities facilitated through technological innovation. This chapter provides an overview of the main steps taken toward the publication of a first reference sequence of the barley genome in 2017 and how this represents the beginning rather than the end of genome research in barley.