Nature Genetics | Free Association
The Colorful Carrot Genome
A high-quality assembly of the carrot (Daucus carota) genome is reported this week in Nature Genetics. Carrot is an important crop due to its high content of Vitamin A precursors, alpha- and beta-carotenes, as well as its popularity in global cuisines. The bright orange color of the modern carrot and its high carotenoid content are features that emerged through selection and breeding- the complete genome sequence will serve as a resource to aid breeders in crop improvement strategies.