Aussies to spearhead eucalyptus genome project

Scientists from around the world have agreed to collaborate on sequencing the complete eucalyptus genome, and formed the International Eucalyptus Genome Consortium at a meeting held in Hobart last week.

Australia will lead the international effort, which aims to sequence the genome of the southern blue gum, or Eucalyptus globulus.

"The meeting was about how to move forward," said Prof John Reid, dean of science, engineering and technology at the University of Tasmania, who chaired the second day of the meeting. "Obtaining a draft sequence is the first aim, with two times coverage of the genome, which means that every bit of the genome will be sequenced at least twice."

New knowledge about eucalypt biology, eucalypt interactions with the environment, as well as applications in plantation forestry and sustainable forest management will arise from sequencing the genome.

Reid said the Australian arm of the initiative would involve universities, the CSIRO, various government departments, the Australian Genome Research Facility and others. "The AGRF has the hardware on which the sequencing will be done," Reid said.

The consortium is seeking major funding to the tune of AUD$10-15 million, which Reid said would be more cost-effective to have in one lump sum, although groups participating in the project have bits and pieces to put in.

The group's next meeting will take place at the International Union of Forest Research Organisations conference in Portugal this October.