An international consortium of research institutions from France, Italy,
Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa, including researchers from
Wageningen University & Research has published a high quality
[www.isaaa.org] genome
sequence of apple.

The genome sequence provides new insights into the organization of the apple
genome. Ninety-three percent (93%) of the 42,000 putative
[www.isaaa.org] genes
were validated through RNA sequencing. This information is useful for the
identification of genes that control a trait of interest and for the
development of DNA-based diagnostic tests that can accelerate breeding of
new varieties.

The new insights in the apple genome include a clear view on the duplication
patterns among the 17 chromosomes of apple. This information facilitates
identification of gene copies with similar function. 'Repetitive regions'
have been assembled, and these may be involved in regulating gene
expression. Finally, a new type of repeat sequence was found that may be
specific for centromeres, which may lead to new insights in chromosome
division and replication.

[www.wur.nl]
f-new-apple-varieties-published.htm