Hevea genome decoded in Malaysia (Updated)

ERJ staff report (DS)

Penang, Malaysia -- Researchers from the Centre for Chemical Biology at Universiti Sains Malaysia say they have decoded the genome of the rubber tree.

Lead researcher Mohd Nazalan Mohd Najimudin said the team had sequenced the genome of the much studied clone RRIM600. At present, he said, the group kows roughly what 80 percent of the genes do, but there is a great dealof work to do to match each gene to real-effects in the living organism. He said that a further year's work should allow researchers to evaluate the rubbber yield, biomass yield and disease-resistance of a new sapling.

“This important discovery will generate a multi-billion ringgit income if it is used in the manufacturing of end-products in these industries and will constitute higher education's contribution to society in the bottom billions,” said Y.B. Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia  at the press conference announcing the discovery.

He added that the most significant benefit of the discovery is assisting the country in the production of a high-quality breed of rubber trees with high resistance to diseases such as South American Leaf Blight or white root disease.

The Deputy Director (Research) of CCB@USM, Prof. Nazalan Najimudin said 'This technology will enable the country to remain competitive in the rubber industry and advance the nation's rubber research work thereby placing the country on the global map,' .

He said the genome approach allows researchers to estimate the girth of a rubber tree in just one year, rather than the more traditional 12.

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Press release from Universiti Sains Malaysia