Cacao Project

Mars Incorporated and the United States Department of Agriculture have undertaken the sequencing of the genome of Theobroma cacao, which produces cocoa beans, the key ingredient in chocolate. Genetic information, such as whole genome sequence is necessary to better understand and improve cacao. In most genomic projects, a physical map is considered an important prerequisite to whole genome sequencing. A comprehensive integrated genomic framework is invaluable for aligning the resulting sequence contigs which are positioned onto the map by comparison to BAC end sequence, electronic fingerprints and other lab-based methods.

CUGI is currently in the process of mapping the cacao genome. Three deep coverage, large-insert BAC libraries were constructed. The BAC libraries are being subjected to high information content fingerprinting (HICF). The genetic markers from the genetic recombination map are being located on the physical map by overgo hybridization.

Links
Cacao Genome Database: http://www.cacaogenomedb.org/
Filters and clones from the BAC Library TC__Bc may be ordered online.