Syngenta believes that their deciphering of the rice genome is a “ground breaking discovery,” which could “lead to the improvement of different sorts of grains.” Rice is thought to be a model for other kinds of grains. The agrochemical company currently has its eye on wheat, corn and barley. However, first the DNA sequences of practically all genes in the grains will have to be outlined.
The actual deciphering of the genome was completed at the Torrey Messa Research Institute (TMRI) in California; Syngenta’s research centre. TMRI, which once belonged to Novartis, collaborated with the company Myriad Genetics Inc. and Clemson University on the project.
According to Syngenta, they want to put their newly found information on rice to “new, innovative and commercial uses in the agricultural industry.” They are also planning to work with local researchers in developing countries, where rice is a staple in many diets, in order to use the information in the best possible way.
(la/sda)