Amanda R. De la Torre – författare

This book offers comprehensive information on the genomics of spruces (Picea spp.), naturally abundant conifer tree species that are widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Due to their tremendous ecological and economic importance, the management of forest genetic resources has chiefly focused on conservation and tree improvement. 

A draft genome sequence of the 20-gigabase Norway spruce genome was published in the journal Nature in 2013. Continuous efforts to improve the spruce genome assembly are underway, but are hindered by the inherent characteristics of conifer genomes: high amounts of repetitive sequences (introns and transposable elements) in the genome and large gene family expansions with regards to abiotic stress, secondary metabolism and spruces'' defense responses to pathogens and herbivory. 

This book presents the latest information on the status of genome assemblies, provides detailed insights into transposable elements and methylation patterns, and highlights the extensive genomic resources available for inferring population genomics and climate adaptation, as well as emerging genomics tools for tree improvement programs. In addition, this volume features whole-genome comparisons among conifer species, and demonstrates how functional genomics can be used to improve gene function annotations. The book closes with an outlook on emerging fields of research in spruce genomics.

This book is the first comprehensive compilation of the most up-to-date research in the genomics, transcriptomics, and breeding of pine species across Europe, North America, and Australia. With chapters on the state of the reference genomes, transposon function, genome-wide diversity, functional genomics, genomics of disease resistance, genomics of abiotic stress, and genomic selection, this book is a must-read for scientists, breeders, and students of plant genomics. The book contains 12 chapters over 300 pages authored by a group of world-renowned scientists in the field of pine genomics.

Pines (Pinus) are the world’s most economically important forest tree species. The recent genome sequencing of several important pine species has paved the way for understanding their complex biology and helps future management and breeding efforts.