Meetings/GrapeResearchCoordinationNetworkConference2/

From IGGP

The 2nd Annual GRCN Conference was held on the campus of Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY, USA from the evening of July 30, 2010 until mid-day August 1st, 2010, in coordination with the 10th International Conference on Grapevine Breeding and Genetics. We had more than 70 participants spanning 14 countries, many attending the conference for the first time. In addition, we had 5 speakers from outside the grape functional genomics community to bring in fresh insights.

Program: The goal of the 2010 GRCN Conference was to stimulate discussion toward developing collaborations and resources for grape functional genomics. For each of nine functional genomic topics, two speakers presented 15 minute research vision presentations, representing approaches from within and outside of the grape community. Topics included:

• Sequencing and Genotyping
• Association Mapping
• Linkage Mapping
• High-Throughput Phenotyping
• RNA Expression
• Databases & Bioinformatics
• Translating Genomics to Breeding
• Transformation and Functional Genomics
• Maintaining & Funding Field Research

Invited Speakers:

• Michele Morgante; University of Udine
• Ed Buckler; USDA-ARS/Cornell University
• Grant Cramer; University of Nevada, Reno
• Gabriele di Gaspero; University of Udine
• Chris Owens; USDA-ARS/Cornell University
• Lukas Mueller; Cornell University
• Dennis Gray; University of Florida, IFAS
• Keith Striegler; University of Missouri
• Sean Myles; USDA-ARS/Cornell University
• Julie Dickerson; Iowa State University
• Anne-Françoise Adam-Blondon; URGV - Plant Genomics Research
• Mario Pezzotti; University of Verona
• Patrice This; INRA
• Ed Stover; USDA-USHRL
• Pam Green; University of Deleware
• Michael Mazourek; Cornell University
• Mark Sorrells; Cornell University

These research vision presentations were used to initiate 30 minute open discussions, with the goal of having some tangible outcome or direction to pursue. This format was considered highly dynamic and successful in our survey after the conference. Angela Feechan, as postdoctoral associate from the CSIRO in Adelaide, Australia won the best poster award. Congratulations Angela!

Priorities Generated at the 2nd GRCN Conference

1) Genome Sequencing: capture genome variation from selected species (including wild species) and varieties of viticultural importance by sequencing additional genomes. Use to determine the pan and dispensable genome, for association mapping with phenotypic traits. Need to exploit large natural populations.

2) Bioinformatics: more complete genome annotation is needed through manual curation efforts by experts who can focus on specific gene families and metabolic pathways. Development and dissemination of standardized protocols for various procedures. Need for RNA seq database.

3) Phenotyping: standardized international methods need to be established. Centralized databases and high-throughput phenotyping centers needed. Core genotypes need to be established around the world.

4) Trangenics/functional analyses: Need transgenic and mutant populations for identification of gene function.

5) Funding: need to provide more success stories of breeding and research. Need to coordinate research to reduce redundancy and use funds efficiently.

http://www.ag.unr.edu/cramer/RCNGroupPhotoYear2small.jpg

Photo of 2nd Annual Grape Research Coordination Network meeting can be requested from Grant Cramer email

This project is funded by the National Science Foundation grant no. DBI 0741876 for 5 years from 2008 to 2013. To get more information about the GRCN, contact Grant Cramer (email).