Pollinators are critical for natural and agricultural systems. The Beenome100 project aims to sequence, assemble, and annotate the genomes of 100 U.S. bee pollinators, while also strengthening resources for the honey bee, a key pollinator and insect model.
Bombus affinis, image by Sam Droege, USGS
Our Mission
Our Mission
Pollinators are critical for natural and agricultural systems. The Beenome100 project aims to sequence, assemble, and annotate the genomes of 100 U.S. bee pollinators, while also strengthening resources for the honey bee, a key pollinator and insect model.
Key Issues and Challenges:
1. Many bee species are listed under the endangered species act or are being considered for listing. Genomic resources are needed to study the genetic diversity of populations and to help conserve species.
1. Many bee species are listed under the endangered species act or are being considered for listing. Genomic resources are needed to study the genetic diversity of populations and to help conserve species.
Photo by Mark Timberlake on Unsplash
2. Bees serve as vital pollinators and are very diverse. New tools are needed to facilitate bee identification and monitoring and to provide insights into pollinator biology across species.
2. Bees serve as vital pollinators and are very diverse. New tools are needed to facilitate bee identification and monitoring and to provide insights into pollinator biology across species.
Photo by Dan Cristian Pădureț on Unsplash
3. Bees are under threat from multiple factors, including pesticides, pathogens, and climate change. Genome resources are needed to identify risks to species and to mitigate negative effects to species and populations.
3. Bees are under threat from multiple factors, including pesticides, pathogens, and climate change. Genome resources are needed to identify risks to species and to mitigate negative effects to species and populations.
Photo by Mirko Fabian on Unsplash
Questions?
Questions?
Contact Beenome100@usda.gov to join us or get more information on the project.