ARS | Publication request: Perspectives of the International Cotton Genome Initiative

Submitted to: International Cotton Genome Initiative Workshop
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 15, 2008
Publication Date: July 8, 2008
Citation: Yu, J., Percy, R.G. 2008. Perspectives of the International Cotton Genome Initiative [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the International Cotton Genome Initiative Workshop, July 8-11, 2008, Anyang, China. p. 2.

Technical Abstract: Cotton (Gossypium spp.), an immensely important crop worldwide, has lacked representation by an international research organization that could facilitate global collaboration and coordination, and it has lagged behind other major crops in genome research. For these reasons, the International Cotton Genome Initiative (ICGI) <http://icgi.tamu.edu/> was conceived in 2000 by a group of cotton scientists and industry representatives to facilitate communication and coordinate cotton genome research. Over the past 8 years, ICGI has continued to define and develop its mission to increase knowledge of the structure and function of the cotton genome for the benefit of the global community. ICGI has established its Constitution and By-Laws as a guiding document for its activities. ICGI has facilitated numerous formal and informal collaborative research projects through increased communications and collaborations among the global colleagues in its five workgroups. Genomic resources and information are exchanged among the global cotton community. Currently, ICGI has representation of 577 cotton scientists and industry representatives from 35 countries around the world. With rotating officers who are elected every two years and who have a rich collection of scientific perspectives, ICGI and its workgroups are charged with building a broad base of resources and information for coordinated cotton genome projects that are of common interest and mutual benefit. Ongoing efforts include increased emphasis on workgroup-based initiatives, focusing biennial meetings on practical work sessions, and proactively supporting international efforts toward cotton genome sequencing, among other key initiatives. Recently, all ICGI workgroup leaders have proposed top research priorities to develop cotton genomic resources that are of widespread benefit to the industry. Hopefully all ICGI participants will use the opportunities to explore new means of coordinating and collaborating in research to the betterment of cotton and the cotton industry.