2-Plants: Scientists complete advanced draft sequence of rice genome

[GENET <hmeyer@ngi.de>]

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TITLE:  Scientists complete advanced draft sequence of rice genome
SOURCE: PR Newswire, sent by Syngenta/checkbiotech
        http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseaction=newsletter&
        topic_id=1&subtopic_id=8&doc_id=4401
DATE:   Dec 18, 2002

------------------ archive: http://www.gene.ch/genet.html ------------------


Scientists complete advanced draft sequence of rice genome

WASHINGTON -- Officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the 
National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE) 
announced today completion of an advanced draft, or blueprint, of the rice 
genome. This milestone concludes the second phase of the rice- sequencing 
effort initiated under the coordination of the Japanese Rice Genome Program 
to improve the quality and increase yields of a staple consumed by over 
half of mankind. Earlier today a similar ceremony was held in Japan.

"Decoding the rice genome is an important scientific achievement that can 
lead to improved nutrition and aid in efforts to eliminate hunger 
throughout the world," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman. "This 
scientific partnership between the United States and Japan continues to 
demonstrate our commitment to advancing research and science."

Launched in 1998, the project is a multinational effort to map the rice 
genome's 12 chromosomes. USDA, NSF and DOE provided a total of USD 14.4 
million in U.S. funds. In addition to the United States and Japan, 
participating countries include Brazil, China, France, India, South Korea, 
Taiwan and Thailand. European Union members are participating as well.

The United States research is based at the Institute for Genomic Research 
in Maryland, Clemson University in South Carolina, Cold Spring Harbor 
Laboratory in New York, Washington University in Missouri and the 
University of Arizona. Overall, the U.S. rice genome effort is part of the 
national plant genome initiative to understand the structure and function 
of genes in plants important to agriculture, the environment and health.

According to NSF Director Rita R. Colwell, "The rice genome's sequence is 
crucial to our scientific understanding of the staples of life. With this 
data we open new doors at all levels of research: the universities, private 
industry and government."

Data Derived From The Project Will Benefit Many Research Areas Because Rice 
Shares Common Sets Of Genes With Most Of The World's Major Economic Crops 
Including Corn, Wheat, Rye, Barley, Sorghum, Sugarcane And Millet.

"Sequencing the rice genome is a wonderful example of global partnerships 
that can define future efforts in science research," said Raymond L. 
Orbach, Director of DOE's Office of Science. "This accomplishment in plant 
genomics can open global opportunities for new uses of plants in energy and 
environmental resource management."

 

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