Biotech Updates

Next-generation Sequencing Technology Opens Doors to Discoveries

June 15, 2012

The Texas AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics Service is gearing up for its wheat breeding program with the acquisition of new genomics equipment, the next generation sequencing technology Illumina HiSeq25000. Dr. Charles Johnson, director of the service said that this acquisition is consistent with the institute's mission of facilitating scientific discoveries by guiding and empowering scientists across the Texas A&M University System.

"We now have the ability with genomics to integrate and develop superior wheat varieties for yield, drought tolerance, quality and other traits in a much shorter period of time as compared to conventional means of breeding," said Dr. Bill McCutchen, AgriLife Research executive associate director. "By combining our strong breeding, pest management and agronomic expertise with genetic knowledge, we, AgriLife, are able to produce significant advancements across cropping systems."

For more information, see http://today.agrilife.org/2012/06/13/next-generation-sequencing-technology-opens-doors-to-discoveries/