The tomato gene has been sequenced.
The National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) today announced that researchers have sequenced the genomes of domestic and wild tomatoes.
Scientists expect the breakthrough will speed efforts to improve tomato production through better pest and disease resistance.
The sequences were reported in this week’s issue of Nature magazine.
“Together, the sequences provide the most detailed look yet at the functional portions of the tomato genome, revealing the order, orientation, types and relative positions of its 35,000 genes,” said the INRA news release.
“The sequences will help researchers uncover the relationships between tomato genes and traits and broaden their understanding of how genetics and environmental factors interact to determine a field crop’s health and viability.”
