Japanese rice genome research program (RGP)

[Guest2 Yuzo Minobe]

PRESS RELEASE


4. Septemember 1992


The Rice Genome Research Program (RGP) has produced the 
first issue of its Newsletter, titled Rice Genome. The 
newsletter aims to inform all researchers interested in 
mapping and analyzing plant genomes. The main objective is 
to enhance international  cooperative research efforts for 
rice genome analysis and for the isolation and utilization 
of useful rice genes in plant breeding and biotechnology.

Background

The Rice Genome Research Program (RGP) started on October 1,
1991. It is managed by the National Institute of 
Agrobiological Resources (NIAR) and the Society for 
Techno-innovation of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 
(STAFF). The main center of research activity is at NIAR in 
Tsukuba City near Tokyo. The first stage of RGP lasts for 
seven years. 

The main objectives of the first stage are to provide a 
physical map with DNA clones and a linkage map with genetic 
and RFLP markers and conventional genetic markers in at 
least 2000 positions. In addition, cDNA catalogues will be 
made from different organs of rice for isolation of 
agronomically important genes.

Funding is provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries (MAFF), Japan, and the Japan Racing 
Association (JRA).

The newsletter Rice Genome

The first issue of the newsletter Rice Genome (Number 1, 
vol. 1, July 1992) contains articles on the following 
topics:

- an overview of the Rice Genome Research Program
- the current strategy of cDNA cataloguing
- RFLP linkage mapping
- physical mapping and chromosome mapping

In addition, information is given on how to request DNA 
clones (cDNA and RFLP landmarkers).

The newsletter is available free of charge. To have your 
name added to the mailing list, send your name and address to
the address below. Please indicate also the source of this announcement.


Dr. Ilkka Havukkala

Editorial Office of Rice Genome
Rice Genome Research Program (RGP)
National Institute of Agrobiological Resources
2-1-2, Kannondai
Tsukuba
Ibaraki 305
Japan
Fax: +81-298-38-7468

The next issue of the newsletter will be published in late 
autumn 1992. We welcome news items and articles on rice genome
mapping and analysis from the international research community.