Agrigenomics

Plant and animal sequencing

Discoveries support conservation, agriculture, and evolutionary research

Genome sequencing in agriculture and the environment

Researchers around the world are using plant and animal sequencing to study the genomes of diverse species. These genetic maps offer a rich foundation for discovery, helping us understand life and evolution and find new approaches for the conservation of endangered species.

Harnessing next-generation sequencing (NGS) in agriculture will also allow for development of more productive and sustainable practices, so that together, we can meet the challenges of the changing environment and the demands of feeding a growing population.

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Featured animal and plant genome sequencing research

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Accelerating agrigenomic breakthroughs with genomics

Professors Chris Austin and Larry Croft of Deakin University talk about how NGS opened new research opportunities that will impact the future of agrigenomics.

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Complex plant genome sequencing at Texas A&M AgriLife

Charlie Johnson discusses the work his lab is doing with plant sequencing and offers advice for those interested in moving to NGS.

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Expanding aquaculture in Okinawa with NGS

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology is using plant and animal sequencing to advance research in marine biology, agrigenomics, and aquaculture.

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Methods for genome sequencing in agriculture

Method Description Uses
De novo sequencing De novo plant or animal sequencing is a first step toward understanding the genetic underpinnings of an organism’s traits and interactions with the environment. Assign map positions and stack breed information for subsequent resequencing to discover single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other genetic variations.
Whole-genome resequencing A comprehensive method for analyzing the entire genome when a species' reference genome is available. Identify genes, SNPs, and structural variants while simultaneously determining genotypes.
Transcriptome sequencing RNA sequencing provides novel insights into changing gene expression levels that occur in development and during disease and stress conditions. Elucidate gene and protein function and interactions, identify tissue-specific lists of RNA transcripts, and discover new SNPs.
Epigenetics Adaptive responses to changes in the environment (such as food availability or drought conditions) can trigger phenotypic changes in plants and animals that affect their viability and reproductive fitness. By using sequencing to identify changes in DNA methylation, chromatin structure, and small RNA expression, you can better understand how epigenetic factors contribute to controlling these and other traits in a species of interest.
Targeted resequencing This method sequences predetermined areas of genetic variation over many samples. Identify common and rare variants—such as SNPs and copy number variants (CNVs)—to help inform breeding decisions or characterize disease susceptibility.
Genotyping by sequencing A low-cost genetic screening method to discover novel plant and animal SNPs and perform genotyping studies, often simultaneously in many specimens. Applications include genetic mapping, screening backcross lines, purity testing, constructing haplotype maps, and performing association and genomic evaluation for plant genome studies.
Environmental DNA sequencing An effective biomonitoring tool, allowing characterization of both bacterial and eukaryotic species in aquatic, soil, and other samples. Applications include port monitoring, biodiversity surveys, ballast water testing, soil testing, and more.
Genome editing CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) genome editing holds great potential for agriculture, food science, environmental science, and a broad range of other applications. Confirm gene knockouts, analyze on- and off-target effects, and assess the functional impact of gene edits.

Animal sequencing research stories

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Building a Dolphin Genome Assembly

High-quality genomes are essential to resolve challenges in breeding, comparative biology, medicine, and conservation planning for bottlenose dolphins.

Genomics and feeding a hungry world

Agriculture has sustained and enhanced human life for thousands of years, but a changing environment and expanding population is increasing demand for more productive and more sustainable farming. Listen to Dr. Andrzej Kilian of Diversity Arrays Technology describe how NGS-based genotyping is helping to develop more sustainable agriculture practices.

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Beginner's guide to NGS

Considering bringing next-generation sequencing to your lab, but unsure where to start? These resources cover key topics in NGS and are designed to help you plan your first experiment.

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Plant genome sequencing accelerates crop research

Agriculture has sustained and enhanced human life for thousands of years, but a changing environment and expanding population is increasing demand for more productive and more sustainable farming. Listen to Dr. Andrzej Kilian of Diversity Arrays Technology describe how NGS-based genotyping is helping to develop more sustainable agriculture practices.

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Agrigenomics research review

This review covers recent peer-reviewed research publications in agrigenomics and gives an overview of innovations that present breeders with powerful tools to advance agriculture.

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Featured products

Illumina DNA Prep

A fast, integrated workflow for preparing libraries for use in a wide range of sequencing applications.

NovaSeq 6000 System ordering

Perform powerful high-throughput sequencing studies with the NovaSeq 6000 System. Match data output and time to results to project needs.

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Animal and plant genome sequencing resources

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