Citrus is one of the most widespread fruit crops globally, with great health and economic value. Annual production is around 105 million tons and represents 21% of world fruit production. Italy is one of the leading countries in EU production of Citrus fruit.
Historical developments of genomic science attempt to prevent the risk of devastation by diseases. Sequencing and critical functional analysis of Citrus genomes is our challenge to improve future productivity.
Science and Technology Park of Sicily, located in the heart of Sicily, at the foot of the volcano Etna, is committed for a long time, in the enhancement of Citrus industry. With latest biomolecular technologies, here we perform functional genomic studies.
We are supported by other research partners, such as University of Catania and private centers, which provide their experience in computer and natural sciences.
We have sequenced the genomes of some Citrus cultivar, such as the three primary species, Mandarin, Pummelo and Cedar, some Citrus sinensis cv. and C. aurantium.
Our team is committed to intepret raw data from Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and provide a service to the scientific collaborators.
