SolCAP: Solanaceae Coordinated Agricultural Project

OVERVIEW

Translating Solanaceae sequence diversity and trait variation into applied outcomes through integrative research, education, and extension.

     Sequencing efforts in Solanaceae have yielded extensive databases of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and are expected to yield sequences of the gene-space for potato and tomato within the next four years. Ultimately, understanding variation in DNA sequence is useful only to the extent that it helps understand and/or predict variation in phenotype. The primary research objective of this proposal is to provide infrastructure to link allelic variation in genes to valuable traits within the three most important vegetable crops in the Solanaceae: potato, tomato and pepper. As a result, we will increase the likelihood that breeding of crops in the Solanaceae will benefit from genotype-based selection processes. Rather than focus on a single commodity or crop, the Solanaceae Coordinated Agricultural Project (SolCAP) will leverage genomic resources for the improvement of multiple crops that share taxonomic affinity and DNA homology. Expanding beyond a single commodity to encompass multiple related species will create a broader vision for translational genomics in agricultural research. The extension and education components will integrate training and educational modules for translational genomics in the Solanaceae through workshops, e-Xtension, and curriculum development. In this manner, the breeding community will learn how to integrate genomics tools and databases into their programs.