Comparative transcriptomics across fir species (Christmas trees)

Next-generation sequencing technology has been employed to accelerate the generation and use of genetic information to improve firs for use as Christmas trees, an important specialty crop. The initial focus will be on improving post-harvest needle retention since surveys indicate that messiness is a major reason consumers do not purchase real Christmas trees. RNA-Seq across three species will be compared to identify genetic markers (SNPs) associated with existing needle retention assessments of seed orchard trees of firs native to eastern U.S.