Whole genome sequencing of Tectona grandis (Teak). Tectona grandis

Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) (2n = 36) is one of the admirable tropical hardwoods, producing world’s premier quality timber. The tree is deciduous in nature and possesses high ecological and environmental value. It is distributed in India, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and naturalised in Java and includes several highly diverse populations. It is self-incompatible and reproduces by outcrossing. Teak populations can grow in different environmental conditions and show variations in stem form, reproductive success, leaf morphology, branch patterns, sapwood to heart wood ratio, wood and fiber characteristics, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Due to the high value of the timber, teak is grown widely across continents and more than 60 countries have raised plantations. Studies on genetic variations across populations using molecular tools are increasingly used in teak. Availability of genomic tools in teak would help future breeding programs. The Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Thrissur and College of Forestry (UASD), Sirsi, Karnataka are involved in sequencing the genome of teak. The Department of Biotechnology, Government of India has funded a project to develop genomics tools for teak genetic resource conservation and management.