Sequencing of rubber genome opens doors to crop improvement

Brickendonbury, England - A major step forward in the genetic analysis of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) has just been announced, paving the way to major improvements in the quality, yield and disease resistance of the crop.

The sequencing, assembly and annotation of the genome marks a significant step in accelerating the commercial development of this important commodity and in addressing many of the issues facing rubber growers and manufacturers worldwide, said a 13 Oct press release announcing the development.

Hevea brasiliensis is the primary source of natural rubber, but the effects of climate change and diseases such as South American leaf blight and white root rot, could put its cultivation at risk, the announcement explained.

The outcome of this work will be a knowledge-based resource essential for addressing these and other issues affecting the rubber industry now and in the future, the announcment emphasised.

The work involved scientists at the Malaysian Rubber Board's Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre in Brickendonbury, working with specialists at The Genome Analysis Centre in Norwich, England. They completed the first high-quality draft sequence of the RRIM 928 latex/timber clone in just nine months, according to the news release.

For further information please refer to: http://www.tarrc.co.uk/pages/Hevea%20genome%20Minister%27s%20Announcement%20October.pdf