St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec, Canada
January 27, 2009,

DNA LandMarks announced today its collaboration with Cornell University, New York, on the release of its new genetic map in pepper.

For its part in the collaboration, DNA LandMarks contributed a series of key genetic markers including DNA primer sequences and assay conditions that allowed the map to be anchored.

“This is the first complete genetic map of the pepper genome based on a set of common genes shared by tomato, potato, eggplant and other species in the nightshade family, as well as the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana,” commented Prof. Steve Tanksley of Cornell University, “The availability of this map should facilitate both applied and basic research in pepper”.

“This collaborative endeavour will help molecular scientists and plant breeders around the world to be more successful”, stated Dr. Joachim Richert, CEO of DNA LandMarks “A reliable, well-anchored genetic map is the foundation for effective marker-assisted breeding in any crop.”

The genetic map, the key markers and primer sequences will be publicly available at http://www.sgn.cornell.edu/cview/map.pl?map_version_id=58
 

The two organisations started the collaboration five years ago when DNA LandMarks shared its library of DNA markers in pepper to support the effort of Cornell University to create a genetic map of this important vegetable crop.

Since its foundation in 1995, DNA LandMarks Inc. has been a world leader in DNA marker development and applications. Today the company offers a full array of marker technologies to the agricultural sector from development to mapping to high-throughput application. DNA LandMarks is a unit of BASF Plant Science and its Centre of Excellence for DNA sequencing and genotyping.
For more information please contact: Charles Pick, Business Development Manager – charles.pick@dnalandmarks.ca.

BASF – the Chemical Company – consolidated its plant biotechnology activities in BASF Plant Science in 1998. Today, about 700 employees are working to optimize crops for more efficient agriculture, renewable raw materials and healthier nutrition. Projects include yield increase in staple crops, higher content of Omega-3s in oil crops for preventing cardiovascular diseases, and potatoes with optimized starch composition for
industrial use. To find out more about BASF Plant Science, please visit www.basf.com/plantscience.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007.

Website: http://www.cornell.edu

Published: January 27, 2009