As announced by Mr , China Process Engineering Institute, a consortium centered by his institute has sequenced and mapped the genome of China “Sweet Orange” tree (Citrus erythrosa). The genome has 9 chromosome pairs. This work was achieved in a little more than one year and is the first example of an independent genome mapping of a fruit tree in China.
China is among the major producers of oranges, with an annual harvest of 26,5 million tons and a cultivation area of 2,2 million ha. At present, about 80 varieties of citrus fruits are grown in China, of which about half are imported varieties.
China Science News online