Scientists sequence peach tree DNA

Scientists have sequenced the DNA of the Lovell peach tree.

The tree's DNA sequence has opened a new era in fruit-tree research that could have far-reaching implications for the future of peaches, as well as many other valuable plants.

This genome sequence is the culmination of an extensive research program pioneered at Clemson University under the leadership of Albert "Bert" Abbott.

The research goal is to establish the peach as a model tree genome for identifying and understanding genes that are critical for deciduous tree growth and development.

"The tree providing the DNA for the sequencing effort was chosen after careful analysis of DNA from specific trees in the Musser orchard," said Abbott.

"The choice of this tree was crucial to the overall success of the project, and the extremely high quality of the peach genome sequence assembly is a direct result of this choice," he added.