Sequencing of the date palm genome

The date palm represents a major environmental and economic factor in arid climates in many countries around the world. Selection of specific varieties in large date palm groves is decreasing the genetic variation and increasing the susceptibility to a wide variety of diseases and reduced productivity. We are proposing to establish an international consortium to sequence and annotate the entire date palm genome in order to identify those genes responsible for disease resistance and growth characteristics that will allow us to enhance the quality and quantity of the date crop.