The OLGENOME project aims to complete the olive tree (Olea europaea, var. europaea, cv. Leccino) genome sequencing.
In fact, genome sequencing is considered an essential step to generate new knowledge and develop new tools useful for the betterment of the species. It also results into a better characterization of the elements responsible for biological processes (stress resistance, phenology, etc.) and/or regulation of metabolic pathways, which can then be transferred through traditional techniques (cross-breeding) or advanced ones (biotechnologies) to the newly created varieties. Another key factor is the possibility of identifying new molecular and/or functional markers which can provide precious data for genotyping, association studies, assisted breeding and varietal selection. Last but not least, the previously described advancements will open the way for a further understanding of the genetic bases behind characters expression of species, resulting in new highlights about the biology and the adaptability to environmental changes.
Only a better knowledge of the whole genome sequence and of its organization will provide the means to address the future genetic improvement programs which rely on modern biotechnologies in a more accurate way.
In the light of the above, the following points are considered strategic:
>> Sequencing and ‘de-novo’ assembling of the olive tree genome (cv. Leccino)
>> Gene annotation
>> Identification and characterization of the expressed genes in cv.Leccino for genome annotation and assembling.