A. Report of the Coordinating Committee of Rice Genetics Cooperative

Establishment of Rice Genetics Cooperative (RGC) during the International Rice Genetics Symposium in May 1986 was a major event in the history of rice genetics. During the past year RGC has moved vigorously to achieve the objectives for which it was established. The committee on Gene Symbolization, Nomenclature and Linkage Group has prepared rules for gene symbols and assigned coordinators for monitoring the gene symbols for various traits. Rules for gene symbols and the names of coordinators appear in the report of this committee. Reports of the six coordinators also appear in this volume. Reports of the remaining six coordinators will be published in volume 4. We appeal to all rice geneticists to cooperate with the committee and the various coordinators by following the rules in assigning gene symbols.

The committee faces an uphill task in resolving the differences where different gene symbols have been used for the same trait in the past. For example d and sd have been used for the various dwarfing genes. It would be desirable to adopt a uniform system of symbolization for genes affecting the same trait. Such differences should be resolved soon through agreement among all concerned. Similarly there is urgent need to adopt a uniform system of numbering rice chromosomes. A report on chromosome numbering system appears in this volume. As discussed in this report some progress was made during the year. We are trying to resolve the outstanding problems through the cooperation of Dr. H.K. Wu.

Two genetic stock centers, one at Kyushu University, Japan and the other at the International Rice Research Institute, Philippines have been set up to maintain the seed stocks of genetic markers and chromsomal variants. Your cooperation in sending seed samples of various mutants to either of the stock centers will be highly appreciated.

The annual meeting of the Rockefeller Foundation supported network on genetic engineering of rice was held at IRRI on Oct. 14-16, 1986. Considerable progress in the development of genetic engineering techniques for rice improvement was reported. Protocols for the efficient regeneration of rice plants from isolated protoplasts have been developed. Gene transfer vectors for transformation of rice are under study. A status report on cloning vehicles for rice is contained in the report of committee on Genetic Engineering.

A meeting of the Coordinating Committee of RGC was held during 5th International SABRAO Congress at Bangkok, Thailand on November 26, 1986. Venue for the Second International Rice Genetics Symposium to be held in 1990 was discussed. Dr. Swaminathan offered to host the symposium at IRRI. Dr. Oka consulted the Japanese colleagues after returning to Japan and informed Dr. Swaminathan about the acceptance of his proposal. Thus the Second International Rice Genetics Symposium will be held at IRRI during April-May, 1990. An International Organizing Committee will be set up shortly. We will welcome your suggestions in this regard.

The Rice Genetics Newsletter is the main vehicle for disseminating the activities of RGC. Volume 3 of RGN is in your hands. It is the outcome of collective efforts of many individuals. We want to convey our deep sense of gratitude to those who made its publication possible.-M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman and T. Matsuo, Co-chairman.