We sequenced the DNA from tuber of potato DM 1-3 516 R44 and assembled the genome using SOAPdenovo. DM 1-3 516 R44 resulted from chromosome doubling of a monoploid derived by anther culture of a heterozygous diploid clone PI 225669 selected from the long-day adapted population of S. tuberosum Phureja and Stenotomum Groups.
Potato belongs to the Asterid clade of Eudicot plants that represent ~25% of flowering plant species and from which a complete genome sequence is not yet published. Its worldwide importance, especially within the developing world, is growing rapidly with production in 2009 reaching 330 million tons. The tubers are a globally important dietary source of starch, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins, serving the plant as both a storage organ and vegetative propagation system. Despite their importance, the evolutionary and developmental mechanisms that lead to the initiation and growth of tubers remain elusive.
The cultivated potato is considered to have a narrow genetic base resulting originally from limited germplasm introduction to Europe. Most potato cultivars are autotetraploid (2n=4x=48), highly heterozygous, suffer acute inbreeding depression, and are susceptible to many devastating pests and pathogens.
To explore potato genome structure and organisation, nuclear and organellar genomes of DM potato variety have been sequenced employing a whole genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) approach, assembled using SOAPdenovo.
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