Michigan State University researchers have made a groundbreaking achievement by sequencing the genome of the Montmorency tart cherry, a critical advancement in tart cherry research. This effort aims to enhance breeding initiatives and adapt to climate change by identifying genetic links to late-blooming traits in these trees. Initially, the researchers compared late-blooming tart cherry DNA sequences with those of the peach, their related species, only to discover significant genetic differences, prompting them to undertake the first complete genome sequence of Montmorency cherries.
The Montmorency tart cherry is an allotetraploid, meaning it possesses four sets of chromosomes from at least two ancestral species. This complexity complicates genomic studies but also provides richer research opportunities. The collaborative research team, including assistant professor Courtney Hollender and doctoral candidate Charity Goeckeritz, is focusing on understanding bloom timing and specific fruit traits, such as color and firmness. This newly sequenced genome will guide future efforts in breeding resilient cherry trees capable of withstanding variable climate conditions, ultimately benefiting both the industry and consumers. The successful genome sequencing marks a pivotal moment for future tart cherry research and breeding worldwide.
