The first steps in this project have taken place. As we will be using the very latest DNA sequencing technologies, and we are attempting to produce nearly full-length genome sequences, it is important to begin with the highest quality DNA preparation as starting material for library construction for sequencing. We have collected young leaves and young flush from the five cultivars selected for sequencing. This required multiple samplings because we were not always able to get the ideal tissue types; just slightly more mature vegetative tissue than the optimum did not give us the purity and the quantity of high-molecular weight (HMW) DNA required. We also optimized previous protocols we have used to be able to produce quantity and quality required. Finally, we have been successful and samples have been sent to UC Berkeley Genome Sequencing Laboratory for library construction.