ARS | Publication request: Translational genomics-rice research in agriculture research service

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 1, 2006
Publication Date: October 1, 2006
Citation: Jia, Y. 2006. Translational genomics-rice research in agriculture research service [abstract]. China-US Biotech. Workshop, October 22-25, 2006, Beijin, China.

Technical Abstract: Although the US accounts for only approximately 1.6 % of the total world rice production, it provides about 15% of the rice in world trade, and its rice is known for its high quality. Rice is a model for genomic study of monocots and thus, numerous broad-spectrum research activities involving rice are being funded by USD-ARS and other federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation. The availability of this vast amount of genomic and genetic information enables ARS rice researchers to be integrated into the global rice scientific community as well as multi-institutional US rice projects (e.g. RiceCAP). Specific objectives in ARS are primarily involved in collecting, developing, and characterizing germplasm, related species, and genetic stocks, mapping and cloning economically important genes, and developing new methods for evaluating germplasm diversity. Research progress will be presented on 1) Genotypic and phenotypic profiles of genetic materials including a core collection, mapping and random mutant populations, and wild relatives of rice including weedy species, 2) functional genomics of important agronomic traits including blast, sheath blight, stem rot, aroma, and phytic acid metabolism, 3) establishment of a rice genetic stock center collection to curate genomic seed resources, and 4) utilization of these genetic and genomic tools and resources to facilitate the development of rice cultivars with improved disease resistance, stress tolerance, grain quality, and yield via classical and innovative approaches.