More genome copies in switchgrass leads to increased climate flexibility

by: Sarah Sharman, PhD, Science writer

Most mammals, including humans, have two copies of each gene, one from mom and one from dad. Mammals that inherit more than two copies (a phenomenon known as polyploidy) rarely survive to birth. One known exception is the tetraploid red viscacha-rat which lives comfortably with double the usual number of chromosomes as its ancestors.

Plants, on the other hand, have embraced surviving (and thriving) with many copies of their genome. Many plants have a history of polyploidy, in fact, a quarter of all plants on earth have more than two copies of each chromosome. While the exact benefit of polyploidy has not been fully realized, in plants it is thought to be a major driver of climate and environmental adaptation. Higher numbers of copies of each chromosome could drive shifts in habitat preference, adaptability, and fitness.

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How high-quality plant genomes can help feed the world

Countless studies by researchers around the world indicate that Earth’s climate is changing faster now than at any point in the history of modern civilization. Hotter days are more common while  colder days have become less common. Warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have given rise to increased occurrences of drought and forest fires throughout the western United States, destroying homes, communities, and entire ecosystems.

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Australian tree genome sequenced in part at HudsonAlpha

Second species of eucalypt sequenced in a decade-long project that spanned three continents

Scientists at the HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center contributed their expertise to the development of yet another high-quality plant genome. The international team, which included scientists in Australia, Brazil and the United States, published the new reference genome for a woody plant called Corymbia citriodora in Communications Biology earlier this month.

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Switchgrass: A ten-year reference genome in the making

February 10, 2021 (Huntsville, Ala.) – Scientists at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have a long and fruitful history of sequencing complex genomes, dating back to the Human Genome Project. Although the completion of the first human genome was a monumental accomplishment that sparked the genomics revolution, the human genome is relatively uncomplicated compared to other species. Since the Human Genome Project, the scientists at HudsonAlpha have become experts at sequencing some of the most complicated genomes—plants.

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HudsonAlpha scientists help secure the future of chocolate with improved cacao reference genome

People around the world consumed nearly 7.7 million tons of chocolate in the last year, but the cacao crop that supports the production of these sweets is under significant environmental threat. Millions of cacao farmers in West Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America feel the pressures of ever-increasing consumption, a changing climate and devastating fungal infections. In 2017, The New York Times declared that we have entered “a battle to save the world’s favorite treat.”

Scientists at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology with the help of Mars Wrigley Confectionery have created the newest weapon in that battle—an improved reference genome to help researchers and farmers develop healthier, more productive cacao crops. Continue reading “HudsonAlpha scientists help secure the future of chocolate with improved cacao reference genome”

HudsonAlpha highlights advancements and the power of genomics to Capitol Hill decision makers

Washington, DC – Leaders from the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, a nonprofit research institute in Huntsville, Ala., presented, “Genomics in Agriculture 101: Exploring the Basics,” on Capitol Hill Thursday, June 13. This briefing was held at the Rayburn House Office Building. Members of Congress, their staff and House and Senate Committee staff members engaged with Jeremy Schmutz, faculty investigator and co-director of the HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center; Kankshita Swaminathan, PhD, faculty investigator; and Neil Lamb, PhD, vice president for Educational Outreach, during the briefing.

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HudsonAlpha scientists generate reference genome for the peanut, giving insight into how food crops are domesticated

Huntsville, Ala.Scientists at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, along with collaborators at the University of Georgia & USDA Stoneville, have created a reference genome for Arachis hypogaea, the species of peanut that has become an important food crop over the last 9,400 years. Roughly 44-million tons of this peanut are produced annually.

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HudsonAlpha, Auburn seeking applications for Assistant/Associate Professor of Plant Genomics

The Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University, in cooperation with the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, is seeking applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor – Plant Genomics.

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HudsonAlpha secures $3.9 million from National Science Foundation to work toward the crops of tomorrow

 The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology along with partners at the University of Nebraska will work on understanding how sorghum responds to nitrogen-based fertilizer and educating the next generation of scientists in Agrigenomics. The opportunity comes from a four-year, $3.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

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Register today for the 2019 CROPS conference

Registration is now open for the 2019 CROPS conference! Hosted by the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the University of Georgia, the 3rd CROPS conference is focused on integrating and translating genomic knowledge to improve breeding and crop production.

The CROPS conference brings together leading researchers applying genomic-based techniques to crop improvement and plant molecular breeding experts, along with traditional breeders who are interested in applying these techniques within their crops of interest.

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