Genomics.

Progress regarding genomic approaches to turfgrass improvement has lagged behind other comparable crop species. This is possibly due to the complex genetic organisms that comprise the turfgrass species, the unique traits prioritized in turfgrass science, or the paucity of funding opportunities for turfgrass research. Regardless of the cause, DNA sequence information is the essential building block upon which genomic approaches to turfgrass improvement occurs. SSR and SNP marker development, RNA and protein expression profiling, construction of genetic maps, comparative genomics, transformations, association studies, and reverse genetic experiments generally require prior sequence information. In this talk I will discuss genomic and genetic methods and progresses made using genomic and other molecular technologies. In addition, I will highlight that there is still a lack of DNA sequence information, and associated genomic tools, available for most turfgrass species.