NSERC grants at Laurentian University Subventions du CRSNG `a l ...

33Kabwe NkongoloGenome organization and physical mapping of repeated DNAsequences in black and red sprucesA grant of $20,000 per year.Une subvention de 20 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteAlthough the genus Picea contains economically importantspecies in Canada that contribute to about30% of the total Canadian forest production, geneticresearch in this genus has lagged behind that of otherimportant plant species. Black spruce is a key componentof the boreal forest, while red spruce is a dominantspecies of the Acadian forest region in EasternCanada. These are among the most important trees forthe production of wood pulp and lumber and are primereforestation species in Canada. Genetic information in the mapping of thesetwo spruces is limited. Conifer species such as the spruces are characterizedby their large genome size, whose organization is still largely unknown.During the first phase of our research program, we have identified highlyinformative molecular markers, which are useful to facilitate programs in genetics,breeding, genome mapping, tree improvement, tree forensics, conservation,and restoration. We have characterized species-diagnostic and specificmolecular markers. The main goal of the present study is to develop otheruseful genetic markers and to physically map DNA sequences and genes ofinterest. This information will be used to identify individual chromosomesand will provide relevant information on spruce genome organization. Theresults will have implications for genome evolution and the suitability ofparticular genetic markers and sequences for genetic mapping and genomeanalysis. Most importantly, the project will contribute to the internationaleffort to map conifer genomes. Accurate identification of each chromosomewill be used to localize gene families and linkage groups and to monitor genetransfer. The methodology developed in the present study will be applied toother spruce species and to the genus Pinus. Physical mapping data will be