First reference genome sequence of highly complex sugarcane

CIRAD, Joint Genome Institute (JGI), KeyGene and other scientific partners are the first to give some real insight into the genome of sugarcane. Sugarcane is a highly polyploid crop which makes whole genome sequencing a challenge. Making use of the synteny between sugarcane and sorghum we have now published a monoploid reference genome sequence for sugarcane in Nature Communications. This first reference genome sequence is an essential tool for accelerated trait development and breeding of improved sugarcane varieties.

Angélique D’Hont, CIRAD, Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement:

“The Whole Genome Profiling technology developed by KeyGene was essential in the success of this approaches since it allowed to align sugarcane BACs on the sorghum genomes”

This is a big step forward for sugarcane, KeyGene’s ambition is to further strengthen the crop innovation in sugarcane by developing and applying new sequencing applications that will help to give better insight and understanding of polyploid genomes.

Link to online article: A mosaic monoploid reference sequence for the highly complex genome of sugarcane