S25 - Session O1 - Development of genetic and genomic resources for the breeding of lavender

Authors: Berline Fopa Fomeju *

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, by reducing the cost and increasing the throughput of sequencing, have opened doors to generate genomic data in a range of previously poorly studied species. In this context, we carried out work on the development of genomic resources on lavender in order to set up marker-assisted selection programs. We first used data from RNA-seq and DNA-seq to generate reference gene sequences of lavender. Then, through short read sequencing of wild and cultivated accessions, a set of putative SNPs were identified in silico. A selection of SNPs was then carried out to develop an SNP genotyping by sequencing tool. A specific attention was paid to identify SNPs on sequences potentially involved in characters of agronomic interest, thanks to comparative genomics. A set of 100 F2 type descendants, as well as a collection of genetic resources were genotyped with this tool in order to develop a reference genetic map for lavender and to identify by genetic association markers associated with characters of interest. We were finally able to generate a powerful tool with 3000 SNP. A first linkage map with more than 500 SNP was also built. Additionally, association analysis identified SNPs associated with traits such as the content of secondary metabolites involved in the synthesis of perfume. All the results obtained in this genomic program will be presented as well as the perspectives related to the creation of new varieties of lavender.