Special section: THE RICE GENOME

The cereal of the worlds poor takes center stage

Ronald P. Cantrell and Timothy G. Reeves

he milestone publication in the 5 April 2002 issue of Science (Vol. 296) of not one, but two, draft genome sequences of rice (Oryza sativa) brings the cereal crop of the worlds poor to center stage. Just 16 months earlier, the science community caught its first glimpse of the completed genome sequence of Arabidopsis thaliana, an economically insignificant but researchfriendly weed related to the cabbage and mustard family. Only 64 days later, Celera and the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium published draft sequences of the human genome itself. We believe that the scientific community will conclude that sequencing of the genomes of two rice subspecies will be the first sequencing project to yield tangible results for humankind from the standpoints of food security and combating malnutrition. The draft sequence of the indica rice subspecies by the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI)
8

and of the japonica subspecies by Syngenta will have a global impact on human health. These drafts will be combined with a complete rice genome sequence being compiled by the public International Rice Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP) coordinated by the Japan Rice Genome Program. The IRGSP sequence is expected to be published later this year. The BGI and Syngenta draft sequences do not diminish the value of IRGSPs public sequencing effort. Indeed, all three versions contribute to the completion of a truly accurate rice genome road map that will be invaluable to plant biologists and agricultural scientists. The highly accurate IRGSP sequence will serve as the gold standard for all future investigations of genetic variation in crops. If a single plant species were to be voted the most popular by scientists and laymen alike, it would be Oryza sativa. Rice, the worlds most important cereal crop for

Rice Today September 2002

of institutions. Genomics has the potential to address human consumption, is the food staple of more than many different aspects of crop research, including genetic 3 billion people, many of them desperately poor. In diversity and productivity improvement. In addition, addition, rice like Arabidopsis is a model genomics research will help us to understand how plants experimental plant; it has a much smaller genome than tolerate abiotic stresses, such as drought or salinity, and those of other cereals and a high degree of collinearity biotic stresses, such as disease or predation by insects. with the genomes of wheat, barley and maize. The CIMMYT, IRRI and other CGIAR centers are actively blending of the complete Arabidopsis and rice genome engaged in these efforts. sequences will forever change the way we approach plant Recognizing the immense value of genomics research biology research. The new genetic knowledge and tools to crop improvement, IRRI, in collaboration with its derived from these sequences will help scientists to partners in national agricultural address intractable problems that systems that conduct and disseminate limit crop productivity in the research, is preparing to take developing world. Syngenta reports Rice will be the first advantage of this treasure trove. IRRI that 90% of the rice genes on a genome sequencing advocates broad collaborations in rice microchip can be used to probe gene research that embrace innovations by expression in maize just one project to yield tangible both the public and private sectors, example of the value of rice sequence with emphasis on the need to provide information for elucidating the results for humankind the best science to serve the poor. biology of other important crops. IRRI is pursuing a public research IRRI, the International Maize from the standpoints platform through an International and Wheat Improvement Center Rice Functional Genomics Working (CIMMYT) and the other 14 Future of food security and Group. The public availability of the Harvest centers of the Consultative rice sequences published in Science combating malnutrition Group on International Agricultural will boost this commitment. Research (CGIAR) welcome the The continuing challenge is to public and private efforts to sequence broaden the developing worlds access to information and the rice genome. The CGIAR relies on the sharing of genetic information and seed stocks to develop technology technology. We must provide not only finished products but also the technologies that will enable a new generation and products for the developing world. of researchers in developing countries to solve their food The sequencing of the rice genome will benefit many production problems. other plant genomics initiatives that rely upon publicly Providing affordable and nutritious food must be an available genome sequence data. During a May 2001 integral part of any development program that aims to meeting at CIMMYT, experts developed strategies to improve the lives of the poor. In todays volatile world, we promote the application of genomics research to the believe that collaborative research in the public and private improvement of cereal crops. This initiative is now part of sectors across developed and developing countries will the U.S. Agency for International Developments effort to contribute to reducing international tensions. We assist the agricultural sciences in developing countries. In congratulate BGI and Syngenta on their milestone addition, the U.S. Congress is considering proposals to contribution to science and to humankind. support a cereal genomics program that will champion collaboration among U.S. universities and the CGIAR Adapted from a perspective in the 5 April 2002 issue of Science (Vol. centers. Also, the CGIAR is actively implementing a new 296). Ronald P. Cantrell is the director general of IRRI. Timothy G. collaborative research model called challenge programs, Reeves is the director general of the International Maize and Wheat which target CGIAR goals of regional or global Improvement Center. Reprinted with permission from Science. significance that require partnerships among a wide range Copyright 2002 American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Back to the source: the rice genome in Science

hen Science published draft sequences of the genome, or genetic makeup, of the indica and japonica su bspecies of rice in its groundbreaking 5 April 2002 issue, the prestigious journal included a cornucopia of associated news stories and commentaries. The feast begins with an editorial by Donald Kennedy, the editor-in-chief of Science, defending the controversial decision to publish the Syngenta paper without requiring the corporation to follow the usual practice of depositing its research data in GenBank. One news feature details the history and fortunes of the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP) in Japan, which is slated to publish a highly detailed and accurate sequence by the end of this year. Another tracks the meteoric rise of the Beijing Genomics Institute, which produced the indica draft sequence. Two letters call for continued support for completing the IRGSP sequence and closer collaboration toward the common goal of a finished and accurate genome sequence. A pull-out section highlighting rice genomics makes an attractive poster. There are no fewer than four perspective essays related to the rice genome. One of these analyzes the potential, and the responsibility, of science to abolish world poverty and hunger. Another focuses on the opportunities that genomic sequencing brings to comparative plant biology. Reprinted here are abridged versions of the remaining two perspectives, which reflect the views of two key figures at IRRI and their coauthors, as they consider this historic milestone in the ongoing history of rice science for a better world. Rice Today September 2002