Recent Progress in Genomic Analysis of Ornamental Plants, with a Focus on Carnation

Genomic analysis and marker-assisted selection have long been familiar terms. Nevertheless, compared with that on other horticultural crops, genome-related research on ornamentals has been delayed because of the polyploid nature and/or highly heterozygous genetic background of many such species. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology in recent years, however, the situation is changing. The acquisition of comprehensive transcriptome sequences using NGS technology has been conducted in major ornamentals, and whole-genome sequences have been generated for carnation. This review discusses recent progress in the genomic analysis of carnation, including the construction of an SSR-based reference genetic linkage map, QTL analysis of carnation bacterial wilt (CBW) resistance, and the development of tightly linked markers for CBW resistance and flower type. The current state of NGS technology-based genomic research is also summarized for other major ornamentals.