National Plant Genome Initiative, Progress Report * January 2005

Introduction

Dear Colleague Letter

Interagency Working Group on Plant Genomes
* Committee on Science
* National Science and Technology Council

Current Status of Plant Genomes Sequences

Highlights

Plans for the Next Year

URLs for Major Resources

About the National Science and Technology Council

Image Credits

Acknowledgement

 

Plans for the Next Year

All agencies participating in the NPGI plan to continue support of plant genome research based on the NPGI plan as appropriate for each agency’s mission. Specifically:

NSF will continue to support basic research in plant genomics to accelerate the acquisition and utilization of new knowledge and innovative approaches to elucidating fundamental biological processes in plants. The focus will be on plants of economic importance and plant processes of potential economic value.

The USDA will continue to support projects to increase fundamental knowledge of the structure, function and organization of plant genomes. The focus will be on feedstock genomics, translational genomics to integrate molecular breeding technologies and traditional breeding practice for crop and forestry improvement. In addition, educational and extension activities will focus on informing students, scientists, farmers, processors and consumers in the use of genomics technology for gene discovery and application.

USDA CSREES National Research Initiative (NRI) and DOE Office of Biological and Environmental Research have issued a joint request in FY 2006 for grant proposals focused on the genomics-based research that will lead to the improved use of biomass and plant feedstocks for the production of fuels such as ethanol or renewable chemical feedstocks.

DOE will continue to support genomics-based research that will lead to improved use of biomass and plant feedstocks for the production of fuels such as ethanol or renewable chemical feedstocks. The goal is to leverage information from genome sequencing in combination with analytical technologies and systems biology approaches in order to confidently predict and manipulate the biological function of plants for bioenergy resources.

USAID will continue to support genomic and marker assisted selection projects as part of Harvest Plus to enhance the Vitamin A, iron and zinc content of major crops. In addition, USAID will support training in the use of genomics and marker-assisted selection for scientists in key African crops.

The IWG will continue to coordinate and provide oversight to the NPGI. In 2006 the IWG will begin the long process of gathering community input to begin developing the next 5-year plan.

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