The genome architecture of modern sugarcane cultivars and their parental species are still unclear. In addition, the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of the Saccharum species are still very unclear as well as their precise contribution to current cultivars. Sugarcane technologists have divided the genus into 6 species: S. officinarum, S. robustum, S. spontaneum, S. barberi, S. sinense and S. edule, but this subdivision has always been a matter of debate.

To address these points, the team has started a resequencing project in collaboration with JGI (Community Science Program, US DOE department) and through international collaboration with in particular ICSB members (International Consortium for Sugarcane Biotechnology).  The whole genome sequence of 300 accessions including representatives of the Saccharum diversity and key cultivars will be produced.