In the USA and temperate regions throughout the world, Rosaceae ranks third in economic importance. The most important fruit producing crops include apple (Malus), pear (Pyrus) raspberries/blackberries (Rubus), strawberries (Frageria), and stone fruits (Pyrus) such as peach, apricot, plum, cherry and almond. Additionally, the Rosaceae contains a wide variety of ornamental plants including roses, flowering cherry, crabapple, quince and pear. The Rosaceae Genome Database will integrate genomics data for the model genome species, peach, with that of the expanding data sets of the other important Rosaceae species for the purpose of facilitating gene discovery and characterization in this important plant family. This will be facilitated through the development of a centralized, curated, publicly available worldwide database incorporating the accumulated genomics data for all important species in Rosaceae. This will include the following: Collection and integration of all Prunus genomic data into a centralized database repository, development of web tools to facilitate access and retrieval of all data stored in the Prunus genome database and development of sequence processing and analysis resources for the Rosaceae community. This research program will provide the bioinformatics infrastructure necessary for the community to avoid duplication of research efforts and facilitate the use of genomics data for Rosaceae species. A major component of this program involves the development of a graduate program for teachers and public agents to provide training in the application of bioinformatics tools for the use of genomic resources, with particular focus on peach genomics.
