SorghumBase release 4 is expected in May 2022. This release will feature the addition of the poplar genome (Populus trichocarpa), also known as black cottonwood, Western balsam or California poplar. Poplar is a deciduous broadleaf tree species native to western North America, that is used for timber, and is notable as a model organism in plant biology. It was selected as a model tree species because of its genome size (~485 Mb), rapid growth, reaching reproductive maturity in 4–6 years, economical importance, and representing a phenotypically diverse genus. Similar to sorghum, poplar is also studied for drought tolerance and bioenergy production.
In addition, as in every release, there will be a modest increase in relevant sorghum papers in our Publications database.