JAPAN is planning a long-term international project to map the rice plant's genome. If approved, the project will begin in 1991 and extend into the next century, involving researchers throughout Asia.
During its first 10 years, the project will aim to identify 1000 chromosomal marker genes and develop methods to introduce new genes into specific places. Researchers will then turn to sequencing the more than 100 million base pairs which make up the genome.
The Rice Genome Council, drawn from universities and national research institutes, will meet this month to plan the scheme. The project is likely to win support: rice farmers make up the most powerful political constituency in Japan.
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