Juenger Lab Panicum hallii
Genome sequence of the diploid switchgrass Panicum hallii
Genomic DNA from both ecotypes of Panicum hallii was extracted and used to generate randomly fragmented genomic libraries.  These libraries were sequenced using 454 FLX Titanium technology, to produce a preliminary sequence database for the development of genetic markers.
The switchgrass Panicum virgatum is currently widely studied as a promising biomass crop for biofuel production.  However, the ploidy levels in common accessions of P. virgatum (tetraploid to octaploid) present major difficulties for genetic and genomic analysis of agronomic traits in this species.  We are developing a closely related Panicum species as a more tractable model to study many of these traits.  This species, P. hallii, shows many similarities with P. virgatum, including C4 carbon fixation, growth habit, and the occurrence of upland and lowland ecotypes.  Importantly, P. hallii is diploid, which is expected to make genetic and genomic analysis of this species more tractable.