TRANSGENIC RICE AND RICE GENOME RESEARCH

The recent rapid progress in transferring foreign genes for expression in rice is evaluated. There is an apparent need for an international database and for information exchange about transgenic rice plants bet ween molecular biologists, plant breeders, company researchers and gov ernment regulators. Progress in rice genome mapping will enhance furth er the development, evaluation and monitoring of transgenic rice plant s. The special conditions of rice-growing nations and transport of rel eased genes over international borders need attention when developing and deploying new transgenic rice varieties in Asia and elsewhere.