The rapid advances in next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have brought about huge improvement in sequencing throughput for affordable prices and revolutionized genomics researches. Nowadays, whole genome draft sequence for mid-sized genomes such as insects' can be obtained in a couple of months. And the gene space in action can be easily determined by whole transcriptome sequencing, even when the reference genome sequence is not available. In this workshop, experiences at Macrogen with NGS technology for whole genome sequencing and whole transcriptome sequencing will be presented focusing on insect researches, employing Illumina Hiseq2000 and/or Roche 454 platforms.

The genome sequencing of plants is of critical importance in the race to improve plant breeding. Next generation sequencing technologies have brought about great improvements in sequencing throughput and cost, and it has revolutionized plant research, allowing to decode the whole genomes of many species. Next generation sequencing also enables to detect functional genes and markers of important traits to facilitate molecular breeding and improve agriculture production and conservation.