Western Forest Transcriptome Survey: Applying genomic discoveries towards understanding genome responses to climate change

The Western Forest Transcriptome Survey is a collaboration to identify climate-related genes from diverse forest species. The study will identify gene networks that may play a significant role in climate adaptation. Candidate adaptive genes will be targeted for detailed study so that the genes responsible for climate tolerance and climate adaptability can be identified and managed in future forests. We are using Massively Parallel Sequencing to sequence transcriptomes from multiple samples representing seven forest species, including landscape dominant plants (Aspen; Douglas-fir; Sagebrush; Sugar Pine; Tanoak) and plant pathogens (Armillaria solidipes; Phytophthora ramorum). Raw data collected from this survey currently exceeds 40 billion base pairs, and transcriptome assemblies range from as small as 22 Mbp in Armillaria, to over 100 Mbp in Douglas-fir. In this presentation, we introduce projects that are currently underway in this collaboration. Additional information for this transcriptome survey can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/olympia/silv/wfts/index.html.