15 June 2013 Last updated at 19:20 ET By Tom Heap BBC Countryfile <\/p>\n
Scientists have sequenced the genome of a type of ash tree with resistance to the deadly fungal disease sweeping the UK. <\/p>\n
The development could be the starting point for breeding a strain of ash to replace thousands expected to succumb to ash die-back in the next few years. <\/p>\n
Ash die-back is now established and spreading within Britain <\/p>\n
Researchers are hoping that genetics might yield the knowledge to fight back. <\/p>\n
A joint project by the John Innes Centre, the Genome Analysis Centre and the Sainsbury Laboratory - all based in Norwich - have reached this milestone just two months after receiving the samples. <\/p>\n
Dr Mario Caccamo of the Genome Analysis Centre said: \"Speed is important to the research so that all those studying the epidemic can start to look for clues to tackle it.\" <\/p>\n
And they do mean everyone. <\/p>\n
All the data is being put on a crowd sourcing website OpenAshDieBack to enable experts from around the world to help identify genes that might be connected to the trees' ability to withstand the fungus. <\/p>\n
These genes could then be part of a breeding programme for resistant trees. <\/p>\n
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Follow this link: 15 June 2013 Last updated at 19:20 ET By Tom Heap BBC Countryfile Scientists have sequenced the genome of a type of ash tree with resistance to the deadly fungal disease sweeping the UK. The development could be the starting point for breeding a strain of ash to replace thousands expected to succumb to ash die-back in the next few years. Continue reading
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