Population based genome sequencing across environmental samples

New sequencing technology now allows genomic data to be assembled from hundreds to thousands of individuals from family and population samples in non model organisms. This can be used to survey the patterns of genetic variation across the landscape and infer centers of diversity and colonization dynamics. Furthermore, selection can be inferred when patterns of genetic variation uniquely align with environmental gradients. The genomic data allows one to identify candidate causal loci important in adaptation that show the strongest environmental associations while controlling for background loci. This can guide conservation and restoration genetics strategies in foundation species and identify critical germplasm for crop breeding.