Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, is a medicinal and ornamental plant known for producing pharmacologically important benzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as morphine and codeine. Its poppy seeds are used for culinary applications as breads and cakes. This is because the alkaloids are mainly concentrated in the latex of the immature capsule, while mature seeds contain negligible…
Genomic interest areas: Crops
Beet
Beta vulgaris, the beet, is cultivated for its colorful, fleshy roots and nutritious leaves rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Its genome is diploid and encodes genes important for sugar production, making it a vital crop in temperate regions worldwide. J. C., Minoche, A. E., Holtgräwe, D., Capella-Gutiérrez, S., Zakrzewski, F., Tafer, H., Rupp, O.,…
Rose gum
Eucalyptus grandis, commonly known as the rose gum or flooded gum, is one of the fastest-growing tree species, capable of reaching heights of up to 60 meters in optimal conditions. Its genome reveals adaptations for rapid growth, efficient water usage, and tolerance to diverse environmental conditions, while also highlighting its importance in bioenergy and challenges…
Corn plant
Maize cobs typically have an even number of rows — it’s a cool quirk of plant biology—. Regardless of the variety, kernels rows follow a predictable pattern, with most types having between 8 and 20 rows. This happens because of the way maize develops, ensuring the total number of rows is almost always an even…
Asian cultivated rice
Oryza sativa, the rice plant, is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding rice genetics, evolution, and traits related to yield, quality, and stress tolerance. 10.1126/science.1068037 (Apr 5, 2002)
Common tobacco
Nicotiana tabacum, the cultivated tobacco, is a plant species cultivated for tobacco products. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding tobacco genetics, nicotine biosynthesis, and plant defense mechanisms. 10.1038/ncomms4833 (May 8, 2014)
Cacao
Theobroma cacao, the cacao tree, is the source of cocoa beans used to produce chocolate. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding cacao genetics, disease resistance, and traits related to cocoa bean quality. 10.1038/ng.736 (Dec 26, 2010)
Common sunflower
Helianthus annuus, the common sunflower, is a versatile crop cultivated for its edible seeds and oil. Its genome sequencing aids in sunflower breeding for improved yield, oil content, and stress tolerance. 10.1038/nature22380 (May 22, 2017)
Sweet orange
Citrus sinensis, the sweet orange, is a widely cultivated fruit tree species. Its genome sequencing aids in citrus breeding programs, disease resistance research, and understanding fruit development. 10.1038/ng.2472 (Nov 25, 2012)
Garden pea
Pisum sativum, the garden pea, is a widely cultivated legume species. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding pea genetics, plant breeding, and traits related to yield, quality, and stress tolerance. 10.1038/s41588-019-0480-1 (Sep 2, 2019)